The BigBelly is a solar-powered waste container that aims to eliminate those all-too-familiar overflowing trash cans, keeping public spaces cleaner and greener. The flagship product of US-based Seahorse Power Company, BigBelly units compact trash on the spot, optimizing refuse capacity — a BigBelly holds up to five times as much garbage as a regular, non-compacting bin. This reduces the number of times bins need to be emptied, and fewer collections means saved time, fuel and truck costs. Since they don't need to be plugged in, BigBelly units can be placed just about anywhere. The units also are fully enclosed and weather-resistant, are available with optional bear-proofing, and cost USD 3,600–3,900.
The BigBelly system aligns with municipal ‘green’ goals and anti-litter campaigns for cities, parks, beaches, colleges, stadiums. BigBelly units have space for advertising, which can be a nice PR opportunity for companies that want to showcase their commitment both to the community and to the environment. With the environment on the minds of many, this is just one example of how an innovative, eco-friendly concept can take off! One to bring to your own country or region? An obvious enhancement would be to incorporate a solution for recyclables. Might we suggest pairing BigBellies with an industrial version of the Ecopod?
Website: www.seahorsepower.com
Contact:info@seahorsepower.com
Spotted by: Bertjan van Dijk
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I guess you passed on the optional bear-proofing then, Steve? ;-)
I'm thinking that these would be great for big events, too, when rubbish bins inevitably end up overflowing and waste blows everywhere. The increased capacity is a big plus.
Do the door on the container make it less likely for some people to use the trash can? I would imagine some people would not want to touch a trash can and would not want to use it. I'm interested because I think these are a good idea.
Not bad,
I have seen it in Belgium as well. In the streets of Antwerp. Belgian TV even showed it in the news.
Great !
We have these in Ireland
http://www.waterford-news.com/news/story.asp?j=22478
THIS solar-powered litter bin holds up to six more rubbish than others of its size and is now to be found on a street in Waterford city centre.
The so-called Big Belly bin erected at Thomas Street two weeks ago outside the 24/7 convenience store is the first of its kind in Waterford.
It accomplishes the feat of being able to take, depending on its size, between four and six times the amount of refuse of other litter bins because it compresses the waste once the bin is full.
The bin is actually supplied by a new local company Ellicro Environmental Care Ltd, founded by James Croke and Anthony Kelly, and installed and maintained by another local company Environmental Recycling Systems Engineering run by Adrian Buckley and Derek Walsh. Both enterprises employ a total of 13 people.
Steve Stewart | May 24, 2007 2:30 PM