Piermont Considers Installing Solar-Powered Trash Cans

Green innovations have infiltrated several industries: you'll see eco-friendly cars, environmentally-conscious water bottles and biodegradable snack bags.

But solar-powered trash cans?

They exist—and Piermont is looking into them.

The sun-powered public trash compactors the village government is considering are called "BigBellies," and they can save municipalities money over a matter of years by reducing garbage operation costs. The machines use energy from the sun to compact trash and substantially reduce its weight and volume.

Currently, the machines can be found in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Seattle. Philadelphia has saved close to $1 million in one year because of the machines, BigBelly officials said.

Princeton Green, an organization that promotes green initiatives and works alongside BigBelly, approached the Village of Piermont earlier this week to discuss the idea.

"The biggest thing BigBelly does is save money," said Ben Duncan, a representative with Princeton Green. "It saves on pickup and labor. Also, it eliminates smell and [animal problems]."

Whereas normal trash receptacles in Piermont have to be emptied three times a week, BigBellies only have to be emptied twice a month, and sometimes less, Duncan explained.

A single BigBelly unit—which weighs approximately 300 pounds and is equal in size to a corner mailbox—costs $8,995 (if Piermont is able to secure a government price, each unit would be $3,795).

Due to the machines' ability to compact large portions of trash into much smaller amounts, the village would not need to purchase one for each current trash can. Instead, only a few would be placed in high traffic areas.  

"They would be most appropriate for places like the pier," said Christopher Sanders, Piermont's Mayor. "Having [BigBellies] handy for a special events, like something going on at a park, would be another reason for buying. We wouldn't have to worry about garbage cans filling up."

"[The village] would have fewer trash pickups, but I don't think we'll change our pickup schedule," Sanders added.

Duncan noted other positive outcomes of a BigBelly purchase and installation are a wireless system that alerts the village when the receptacle is full, an enclosed can that prevents wind from spreading foul odors and litter, and less garbage truck-caused congestion on Piermont Avenue.

Piermont is not alone in its interest; the Town of Clarkstown is looking into BigBellies as well, and has already set aside $100,000 for the units.

The issue will be discussed further at upcoming board meetings.