Solar-Powered Smart Trash Cans

"Taking out the trash" is a chore for most of us--but thanks to five new solar-powered smart trash cans in Cincinnati Parks, it's one that won't have to be done as often by Parks.

They call them "Big Belly"--self-compacting trash cans that are powered by solar energy. A sensor "eye" detects when contents are ready to be compacted, achieving a 9 to 1 compaction ratio. More room in the can results in less frequent need for emptying. In a partnership with Seahorse Power Company, who makes the cans, and students from the University of Cincinnati, these cans will be equipped with global positioning technology to signal nearby maintenance crews when they are full. The end result is greater efficiency, lower costs, and cleaner parks.

The first five Big Belly smart cans were installed as a demonstration last year. The next five are newer models of Big Belly cans, and will be deployed at the Spencer Overlook in Eden Park, at Theodore Berry International Friendship Park, and three outside of the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park. At the presentation last spring of one of the first Big Belly units, Marian Lindberg, president of the Board of Park Commissioners, said "We are pleased that Cincinnati Parks can again lead the way for the rest of the City with this innovation." In explaining how the new techology works, Mrs. Lindberg continued, "The units are powered by sunlight, crunch trash, and need less maintenance compared to traditional trash cans." The original models of Big Bellys are located at Piatt Park, Lytle Park and three at The Twin Lakes Overlook in Eden Park.

This endeavor is a part of Green Initiatives in Parks, an ongoing effort demonstrating Parks' commitment to be a leader in utilizing the best practices of environmental stewardship.