The TDC Wants 7 Solar Powered Trash Compactors

Looks cool if they last long enough to pay for themselves. It says all weather conditions so the key is the warranty I suppose. Good PR as it says to visitors that we care.

looks like an interesting concept; I am all for more solar use. Would like to see solar lights in lots of places. They seem to work well for FDOT traffic signaling. Seems we could save a lot by using more solar.

If the county elects to proceed with acquiring the trash compactors, it would be best to lease them for one year, evaluate the actual cost savings, then make a long term committment via a purchase. One wonders if Waste Management's costs will be reduced as a result of less "truck rolls" to pick up the waste at each compactor location.

As for solar panel performance in the "salt zone", well, as we all know solar power production is degraded when the panel is not clean. With that being said, the panels will have to be cleaned at least once per month to ensure maximum performance.

I like that they are trying to be green - but am concerned about where they will be used/maintained.

And is it $35K for all 7 or $35K each?

Just thought I would pass along a little more information that might explain the situation better. This is from a call I made to the TDC BUT are my words so please keep that in mind.


Waste Management donated 3 units so that the TDC could conduct a pilot test before they commit to purchase. They will be tested throughout the summer and purchased at the end of the fiscal year if they work. The fiscal year goes through September 30th and the cost budgeted is for all units total.


The units will be tested at Ed Walline, Dune Allen and Miramar regional beach access. They will only be at the top side and will not be on the beach. Regional accesses are targeted due to higher trash volume.

Over 150 cities, towns, universities, state parks are currently using the Big Belly compactor. They are being used in the following areas in Florida:
Naples FL
Hollywood FL
Saint Augustine FL
Delray Beach FL
Boca Raton FL
Miami FL
Jacksonville FL

Saves money by reducing collection pick up intervals as the TDC is charged by volume not weight. Compacting will reduce the volume of trash. It will also eliminate unsightly overflowing trash cans at the regional accesses. It will also reduce pest invasion and odor caused by trash.


The TDC also pointed out that by being solar-powered they are not limited by electricity. As for cleaning the solar panels, they would be installed at locations where TDC staff cleans the restrooms on a daily basis so they will be monitored and maintained.


Hope this helps.

I feel better

Can we expect the TDC to issue a press release promoting the trash compactors and their anticipated success?

I am for this idea, but wonder that we can spend $35K on trash compactors, but not on so many other things to improve the community.

I am for this idea, but wonder that we can spend $35K on trash compactors, but not on so many other things to improve the community.

Beach access development and maintenance falls under eligible expenditures as outlined in F.S. 125.0104.

Thank you Beachsio for taking the time to provide details to this item - sometimes we are quick to make judgments or assumptions when we don't really have any background info or facts. Most of us really want to be supportive of community efforts whenever possible - and its much easier when we know what is going on.

Thank you TDC for investing in waste management technology to help maintain our beach accesses! It is important.

Sounds like a good use of TDC funds.

Will the compactors save us more than $35K in trash fees?

I think they already compact the trash at the facility on Hwy 283, but need to confirm that. On sight compaction has benefits but maintenance is the question I have.

Based on Brads comments they will be placed off the beach, but I live 1/2 mile from the beach but outside fixtures her last about 2 years and if the bulb goes bad forget it. The bulb has corroded into the base and you can't get them out. Just replace the whole fixture.

The three donated units will allow for a cost/benefit analysis.

Why they do not send out PR releases on issues like this is beside me. They have PR people on site with social media skills in their Bio's but Brad seems to consistently provide info when issues come up.

I agree, Bob, why can't the TDC put out a news release on things like this? Or place info here on Sowal...it seems they (and other county entities as well) are missing out on a good communication tool..Sowal functions as our daily news source--so why not send out a news release...

I agree, Bob, why can't the TDC put out a news release on things like this? Or place info here on Sowal...it seems they (and other county entities as well) are missing out on a good communication tool..Sowal functions as our daily news source--so why not send out a news release...

Maybe the TDC Press Release could be entitled "TDC Talks Trash" .

Maybe the TDC Press Release could be entitled "TDC Talks Trash" .

Or "TDC receives public garbage and smashes it".

Or -

Waste Management Donates Solar Powered Devices for test



Waste management has donated three of its Solar Powered trash compactors to the Tourist Development Council to conduct a test of the devices to determine their effectivness in reducing cost associated with the collection of waste from our beaches.

The BigBelly® Solar Compactor is a patented compacting trash receptacle that is completely self-powered. Instead of requiring a grid connection, BigBelly uses solar power for 100% of its energy needs. The unit takes up as much space as the “footprint” of an ordinary receptacle—but its capacity is five times greater. Increased capacity reduces collection trips and can cut fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by 80%. BigBelly also provides cost efficiencies from labor savings, fuel cost and maintenance savings, as well as environmental benefits from reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Safe, easy to use, and designed to keep out pests, the BigBelly has already proven its worth in urban streets, parks, colleges, arenas—and in all weather conditions.

The units will be tested at Ed Walline, Dune Allen and Miramar regional beach access. They will only be at the top side and will not be on the beach. Regional accesses were selected for the test program due to higher trash volume at those locations.

Over 150 cities, towns, universities, state parks are currently using the Big Belly compactor. They are being used in the following areas in Florida: Naples FL, Hollywood FL, Saint Augustine FL, Delray Beach FL, Boca Raton FL, Miami FL and Jacksonville FL.

If successful the TDC plans to purchase 7 of the devices to provide a cleaner, greener system for our local beach visitors.

Cost of the devices is approximately $5000.00 each.