Big Belly Solar Trash Compactor & Recycling Container

Overview

The BigBelly Solar intelligent waste collection system combines solar-powered trash compaction, efficient recycling solutions, and network management software and services into a powerful approach that enables VCU to reduce the operating costs associated with collection by up to 80%.Completely self-powered, the “BigBelly” trash collection system uses solar energy to compact garbage, allowing the bins to hold up to five times more waste than a regular trash bin. VCU officials hope this process will help produce a cleaner environment, reduce labor costs and trash collection trips.

Recycling containers are located next to the trash compactors. The following material are recyclable: all paper, aluminum, cardboard, glass (all colors), ink-jet and toner cartridges, plastic bottles (1,2,7), steel, and metal. The following are NOT recyclable lab glass, plastics (3 and 5), and Styrofoam.

Virginia Commonwealth University Green Map
updated 11/2010 by Mark Hill