The 'Big Belly' is Hungry

You might have noticed the funny-looking trash bins scattered along Arcadia's busiest sidewalks.

The Big Belly Solar compactor is a patented "compacting trash and recycling receptacle that is powered by solar energy and has five times the capacity of an ordinary trash receptacle."

"Due to its efficiency and environmental sustainability features, it was determined that the Big Belly Solar trash compactor and recycling units would be advantageous for city use, especially in areas with high foot traffic," Public Works Services Director Tom Tait told Patch.

The city installed the bins — which cost a total of $37,700 and were funded by a grant from CalRecycle — at the following locations:

• Second Avenue/Duarte Road
• Santa Anita Avenue/Huntington Drive
• 41 Wheeler Avenue (by the Post Office)
• Duarte Road/Baldwin Avenue
• Santa Anita /Live Oak

And, now you know.