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.