Solar-Powered Trash Compactors Will Reduce Collections Up To 80%

Mayor Stephen C. Waluk and the Newport Public Services Department’s Clean City Program announced the placement of 25 BigBelly solar-powered trash compactors in downtown Newport. Mayor Waluk will unveil the BigBelly compactor located at the Armory, 365 Thames Street, on Friday, September 2 at 9:30 am. 

The BigBelly compactors have the same footprint as the current black metal trash barrels around the city but can hold five times more trash, reducing collection requirements by up to 80 percent. An electric eye inside detects the level of trash and triggers compactions as needed.

“The BigBelly launch in Newport is a triumph in our mission to be a greener city,” said Mayor Stephen C. Waluk. “The City will not have any added costs, but we will reap the benefits of fewer trucks on the road, decreased emissions, and cleaner streets.”

BigBelly comes to Newport through a two-year contract extension agreement with Waste Management. The agreement allows for 25 BigBelly solar-powered trash compactors to be placed in Newport with no added cost to the city. Waste Management will save money on collection costs to sponsor the cost of the compactors.

The BigBelly compactors will be placed in front of Newport City Hall, Washington Square & Eisenhower Park, and continue down the length of Thames Street, almost reaching the intersection at Wellington Avenue. The 25 compactors are replacing 50 black metal barrels.

The black metal public litter barrels are collected twice per day, seven days per week. The city of El Paso, TX, also had 14 pickups and was able to cut collections down to twice per week with the BigBelly system.

For more information about the City’s partnership with Waste Management to place the BigBelly compactors in Newport, please contact the Clean City Program at 845-5613 or visit www.cityofnewport.com/cleancity.