Sun Cuts Costs of Disposal

Solar panels are being placed in more and more places, the latest being atop trash can lids. Solar energy is seen as a means of saving precious resources such as fossil fuels that provide most of the world’s electricity. With the growth of recycling employing more and more receptacles, it was perhaps inevitable that someone would come up with the notion of placing solar panels on them. While the bins may contain materials that are hazardous in nature, there is no reason why the containers should not make use of a benign technology such as solar power. If the panels can be used on cars and cell phones, why not on trash cans as well?

Solar powered trash cans are considered as having enormous benefit when it comes to waste management. The power is used to measure and record the amount of waste put in the bin. The information is relayed to a monitoring agency. Sensors take note of how full the can is. When a certain level is reached indicating the bin is nearing its maximum capacity, a signal is sent to start the compressor mechanism these cans also contain. The panels do double duty powering the compacting device. The compression leaves more room in the receptacle.

Containers of this sort thus do not have to be emptied as frequently saving energy and money in the process. Picking up the trash is one of the most expensive components of the waste disposal process and so the added costs of the containers will rapidly be paid back. When the container remains full after compaction, an email is transmitted to the monitoring station notifying that it is time for a pick up.

Investment Justified by Savings

Solar powered trash bins are expensive to purchase initially. Their costs run to several thousand dollars. The cost of the power however is free. The amount of power produced by the solar panels is the equivalent to that which will be found in a 12 volt battery. This provides more than enough energy to run the compactor, transmitter, and sensory devices.

In addition to the savings in time for less frequently scheduled pick ups, there is also a savings in fuel costs that fewer trips by the garbage truck entail. Two cities in Florida are making use of these types of waste bins. They are Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. They are reporting savings of $15,000 a year through the program.

Solar powered trash receptacles have thus proven their worth. Costs per unit will likely lower if there is large scale demand for the product. The economies of scale will come into play. Considering the cost savings along with the benefits to the environment, the expansion of this product appears likely. It just seems like the right thing to do when it comes to removing waste material. This is particularly true when the material is to be recycled.

Securr Trash Cans is a good site to visit to learn more about innovations in waste management.