Solar smart bins which use a new wave of ‘smart technology’ to compact rubbish and send a message by Wi-Fi when full, will soon be placed in key locations around the city.
The bins, which will be located in the Beardy Street Mall, Central Park and Curtis Park in Armidale, will compact the rubbish by harnessing the power of the sun which charges an internal 12 volt battery.
As the rubbish fills up, special sensors are triggered which act in the compactor resulting in up to five times more rubbish space, which is equivalent to five times the capacity of a standard wheelie bin.
It also eliminates the potential for overflowing bins and animals getting in and spreading rubbish. Once full the smart bin sends a message through Wi-Fi to communicate when it is ready for collection, meaning there will be fewer rubbish collections and reduced costs.
Mayor Sam Coupland welcomed the State Government grant and said that Council was focusing on creating a more sustainable future.
“As a contemporary and modern council we need to invest in ways that generate a more sustainable future,” said the mayor.
“Not only one that embraces our net zero future but one that manages its costs and creates efficiencies through new ways of doing things. This simple bin technology, in its own small way will help us to this.”
The grant was secured in the form of a grant from the State Government under the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Pictured: Council staff Mr Ameen Ahmed from the Parks & Gardens team emptying the bins in the Armidale Mall. This will be more efficient with the solar smart bin technology.
Published on 21 Mar 2023