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

Holiday trash pickup, cycling death, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: What’s open and closed on Christmas Day (including…

1 week ago

New transit hub, schools turning into housing, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: SEPTA opens new Wissahickon transit hub. The project…

2 weeks ago

Green Philly’s 2025 Year-end Recap

In a year that felt difficult, community revived our souls 2025 was a challenging year.…

2 weeks ago

BREAKING: Circle Compost merging with Bennett Compost

Philadelphia's two private composting services are now combined into one. Circle Compost and Bennett Compost…

3 weeks ago

City planning survey, bird songs as art, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Philadelphia Planning Commission launches survey to hear from…

3 weeks ago

The low-waste holiday gift guide for everyone on your Philly list

Running out of ideas for everyone from your brother to Gritty? Here's a list of…

3 weeks ago