I spotted a BigBelly solar-powered trash compactor at the corner of 6th and Division on Friday, in the front yard of Eco Gardens. Northfield Waste Management is evidently deploying a few of these around the city. The units compact the trash and communicate wirelessly to WM’s office, allowing them to determine when the trash bin needs to be emptied.
Howie told me they’re pricey but I can’t find any info on whether the City is paying for them, if it’s just an experiment by WM, or if WM is using them to ‘sweeten up’ the City to help with its efforts to renew its contract. He also said that they haven’t been approved for placement in the downtown historic district, but I can’t find details on that, either. Anyone?
If concern for appropriateness in historic district, should know that some of most historic U.S.cities (Philadelphia and Boston) have them along waterfront, historic walkways, arenas, museums, campuses,etc.
I wonder what they trash cans say to NWM? Something like, ‘Gee, I’m full!’?