Briefing Paper
to
Select Commission 1
on
26th January 2016
SOLAR POWERED COMPACTOR LITTER BINS
1.
SUMMARY
1.1 On 20 October 2015, members agreed to add Solar Panel Compactor Bins to
the Select Commission 1 Work Programme, with the caveat that the Head of
Neighbourhood Services would present a briefing paper to Select Commission
1 before deciding whether or not to review the issue of using the bins in
Mansfield District.
1.2 The Head of Neighbourhood Services will now present this briefing paper and
explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of Solar Panel Compactor
Bins.
2.
BACKGROUND
Introduction
2.1 Solar Powered Compactor Bins work using a compactor plate powered by solar
energy to compress the contents automatically. When a bin is 85% percent full
a text message or email is sent to a nominated source (individual mobile
numbers and email addresses i.e. tcm@mansfield.gov.uk), as an alert that the
bin will need emptying. Password protected software application allows access
online from any computer. The application will display location maps and
fullness alert (green, amber, red).
2.2 It is claimed that compactor bins could improve the public realm in terms of decluttering the streets by siting less bins, improve the environment by preventing
spillage from bins that could attract vermin, reduce the carbon footprint in terms
of vehicle usage and free up time to enable the workforce to clean the bins and
tidy the streets where the public have dropped their litter.
Bigbelly
2.3 Bigbelly, an American supplier of solar bins to most states in America and 47
other countries, including several Local Authorities in the UK, has carried out
surveys over 6 years, claims the following benefits:
•
•
•
•
Reduces bin collection costs by up to 70%
Provides redeployment benefits of labour into other critical areas
Eliminates overflowing bins
Eliminates weekend collections
• Generates positive public response and "buy in"
• Generates highly positive media and free PR coverage.
• Safe, easy to use and designed to keep out pests, over 10,000 BigBelly units
have been installed worldwide and its durability and cost efficiencies in urban
streets, parks, colleges, stadiums and beachfronts have already been
comprehensively proven.
2.4 However, comments in a newspaper article in York
(http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11847096.Locations_of_new_solar_powered
_bins_revealed/) suggest that they are unpopular with the public where they
have been installed, citing that they are deterred from using the bin as a handle
has to be used to open the bin to deposit the waste and they are very often
dirty. There is also a perception that it is costly to the Local Authorities and the
money could be better spent elsewhere.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Potential Advantages
Total containment
Potential Disadvantages
Dirty handle potentially put public off
using
Increased capacity
Increased weight
- potential manual
handling issue
Smart and connected technology providing Potential problems if technology fails
real time data and analysis
Reduced collections and costs
Concerns regarding visual impact in a
conservation area
No visible waste therefore no vermin
Third party contract unpopular with
Legal Services.
Cleaner safer public space
Streets appearing cluttered due to
advertising posters
Potential advertising capability – 3 panels on Larger footprint than some current
each bin – all revenue to MDC. Open Space
stock, not suitable for all areas.
Advertising has been used by other areas to
manage the space for a % of the revenue,
however Bournemouth Council manage their
own
Reduced carbon footprint
Potential savings in operation could be
significantly
outweighed
by
capitol
costs
Installation and Maintenance included in the
agreement
Costs
2.5 MDC carry out the emptying of approx. 600 bins within the district using 1.4
FTEs and 1 dedicated vehicle and the approximate annual revenue cost for this
is £47,000. Given that the bins will still need to be emptied and this would
require a vehicle it is considered that any saving would be small. This needs to
be considered against the capital costs of the bins at £4,000 each. Therefore if
all MDC bins were replaced the cost would be in the region of £1,400,000 and
this capital expenditure would be made against a possible saving of around
£7,000 per annum.
2.6 A number of Councils are trialling these types of bins and if they are found to be
successful further consideration be given.
3.
COMMENTS OF HEAD OF NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES
Own briefing paper.
Report Author
Designation
Telephone
E-mail
-
Martyn Thurman
Head of Neighbourhood Services
01623 463119
mthurman@mansfield.gov.uk