Categories: News

Big Belly Solar Trash Cans in Philadelphia!

Huge confession … I’m getting trashy.  Or at least excited about trash.

(Seriously!)

If you reside in Philadelphia/have visited recently, you’ve noticed the Big Belly Solar Trash cans popping up all over Center City.  The city of brotherly love decided to test trash receptacles last year and has exploded to over 500 units. At least 210 units have a corresponding recycling bin component, which is a first for the city.  (No more excuses about not seeing a recycling bin nearby!)

The Big Belly cans are the only solar-powered cordless compaction system.  Using the sun’s energy, the trash condenses waste automatically to be 1/4 of the size, equaling reducing overflow, cutting collection trips and cutting greenhouse gas by 80%!  These bins can hold 200 gallons of trash (versus the average 55 gallons) and can operate on ONE WEEK the energy it takes to make 1 pot of coffee… Talk about efficient!

The receptacle itself is green, made of galvanized steel and recyclable ABS plastic sides. And for those who question the city’s priorities in the middle of this “recession”, these puppies will be saving the city over $12 million over 10 years.

Fore more information, check out Big Belly Solar’s site shoutout to Philadelphia.

Posted by Julie

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Meet Emily Yates: The Chief Innovation Officer Leading SEPTA’s Green Revolution

SEPTA’s Chief Innovation Officer and former Smart City Director talks sustainability and public transit SEPTA…

15 hours ago

Explore Urban Wildlife: A Guide to Using iNaturalist

Using just an app, one Philly transplant reflects on how her phone, curiosity and desire…

2 days ago

Green Philly Podcast Receives $27,500 Grant from Independence Public Media Foundation

The awarded project was a part of the 2024 Community Voices Fund grant recipients, with $800,000…

6 days ago

Community investments, coastal zone protections, sustainable fashion and more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. Shapiro administration announces grant funding for hundreds of…

6 days ago

Zero Fare pilot delivered 4.3 million free rides in its first year

Zero Fare’s success highlights the importance of free public transit for underserved communities. For many…

1 week ago

Citywide cleanups, SEPTA troubles, solar procurement & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. October was exceptionally hot and dry. The average…

2 weeks ago