Solar bins launched to flatten waste
New solar powered bins have arrived in Bath to help keep more litter off the streets.
The 26 bins, which have been installed around the city centre, have eight times the capacity than the average street bin because they can flatten rubbish thrown in them.
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Cllr David Dixon with one of the bins
Two volume sensors trigger a compactor when the rubbish reaches a certain level and the solar panels mean the bins will power themselves.
Bath and North East Somerset Council, which has introduced the bins, says they will help in the fight against litter and urban gulls.
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Councillor David Dixon (Lib Dem, Oldfield), cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said the bins had been introduced following a year-long trial at Orange Grove.
He said: “It makes great sense because bins need emptying less frequently, meaning our staff can be deployed in the war against grime much more efficiently.
“People are the first line of defence against litter and detritus and, in future, they will find far fewer of our bins overflowing when they dispose of their rubbish responsibly.”
The bins are being leased by the council and cost £1,000 each. Mr Dixon said the bins should save the council approximately £30,000 a year, making them cost-neutral.
If the bins are successful, the council has said it will consider introducing more throughout the city.
Other upgrade options include a wireless monitoring system which sends text messages to staff telling them a bin is ready for emptying, and additional bins for recycling.
Council city centre neighbourhood team manager Bill Walters said the new bins would make a big difference to the appearance of the city.
He said: “They substantially reduce the risk of bins overflowing and looking unsightly.
“We can tell instantly when a bin needs emptying because it flashes green for okay, amber for filling up, and red for full.”
B&NES is asking members of the public to help keep normal bins clean and tidy by reporting when they are full to Council Connect via www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit or emailing councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 39 40 41.
Comments
by IvanWeekes
Saturday, March 16 2013, 9:09AM
“@Major Flack,
You got the idea man.. hahahah LOL ... :)”
by PaulLenaerts
Saturday, March 02 2013, 3:07AM
“And that wasted is your electric bills... LOL...
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by tomsjan
Friday, September 14 2012, 9:09AM
“Having read today's new thread I now understand the need for more huge bins - it is so the "Hens" who are drunk off their heads can focus on them to throw away their cider bottles/pizza boxes.
And I have an idea for the saved work hours - they can go out and cut grass - simples!”
by bath1946
Thursday, September 13 2012, 5:32PM
“I suggest you read the thread more thoroughly since on September 11th council spokesman explained why our bills will go up by £30,000 p.a. - an insignificant amount if there is genuine innovation such as recycling, but there isn't.”
by joning
Thursday, September 13 2012, 4:10PM
“Bathman's got a point. It's only a few bins. Council tax isn't going to up because of it. Get over it and maybe welcome a bit of innovation, albeit from a bin!”
by Bathman
Thursday, September 13 2012, 3:26PM
“Me moaning, hark it at. Have you actually read this thread? How do you know where the £30000 savings are being made? You don't as they haven't stated but it may be from a different area of work such as instead of contracting a company to do something rather than employ more staff, the guys that were emptying the bins frequently now are not freeing them up to do this other task.
Does this affect me? Of course not. I'm paying my taxes like we all do and for the residents of banes who do, these bins probably cost 1p per person. WOW.
I won't lose any sleep over it. Still, if you want to have a heart attack over getting stressed with bins, fill your boot.”
by DaveF_Walcot
Thursday, September 13 2012, 12:38PM
“If the blue tooth 'upgrade' is implemented I assume that will increase the lease cost therefore making it less cost-neutral.
As rogerh implies, if there no reduction in outgoings (wages/jobs) just the cost of renting these things it's hard to see where the savings are going to be made. Time savings don't equate to monetary gains. Getting the street cleaners to do another job still cost BANES the same amount of money.
Bathman.
Others are asking for clarification or voicing concerns on how their tax dollars are being spent. The only person moaning/whinging/whining is you
" if the council suggest a £30.000 saving, I will accept that."
That's naive of you. What problem do you have with finding out if the numbers actually stack up?
"does it REALLY affect me?"
Yes, it does. It's your money.”
by AM PM PA Ltd
Thursday, September 13 2012, 10:27AM
“Sorry but I thought this was a place to add comments about the news story - not an opportunity to have a go at each other.”
by Bathman
Thursday, September 13 2012, 10:22AM
“World, not works.”
by Bathman
Thursday, September 13 2012, 10:21AM
“Oh I am a Bath man. Lived here all my life and love the city, wouldnt want to live anywhere else. I'm proud of my city, every time I walk in (yes walk for 30 minutes) I see another part of the city i'd forgotten about, I support all the shops I can, put my litter in a bin, help people where I can and my partner does too.
That's enough to keep me happy and stop me moaning. Im not saying the council are perfect but I think "does it REALLY affect me? Will I lose sleep? Will I suffer?" and my answer is always no, so I leave it and concentrate on something far more interesting like sitting in the park watching the works go by or keeping the pet shop in the guildhall in business rather than using the chain pet stores.”