Solar-Powered Trash Bins Come To Dublin

DUBLIN, CA — Seeing a solar-powered home may not take someone by surprise. But, a solar-powered trash can isn’t something you see every day.

However, you can find them at Emerald Glen Park or Imaging Playground in Dublin. The city is trying the new bins to see how they work out.

“We just put them out this week so we’re testing it for now,” Environmental Technician Michelle Sung told Patch.

The bins have a fill-level sensor so the city can monitor how full they get in real-time. Once the fill sensor is activated, the solar panels power the energy needed to compact the garbage inside.

“With compaction, it can hold more contents than a normal receptacle. The idea is that these will cause for less trips out there."

Sung said hopefully the size and design of the bins will mean less trash surrounding them as well.

“We have pizza box bins out but these also have a large opening in the front that can help combat that issue,” she said.

The bins are also an effort to show the city’s commitment to being environmentally friendly.

“We did want to show the community that we are going green with the solar and it is also helpful to have solar-powered trash bins.”

Three more bins will be placed somewhere in the city yet to be decided. Sung said the city hopes to hear feedback and reassess how the bins are working later this year.