Council accepts reports on the potential use of solar powered trash compactors

September 27, 2010

Summary

Pilot program unique opportunity to save King County money

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today approved a pilot program that will try using sunshine to keep areas around bus shelters clean. In accepting a report on the potential use of solar trash compactors, the Council agreed to see if placing the receptacles at two bus shelter locations can reduce frequency and cost of trash pickup

“A program like this just makes good financial sense,” said Council Vice Chair and sponsor Jane Hague. “There’s a real potential here to save money. Smart energy, equals smart dollars. In the current economic climate, we need to continue to think outside the box.”

Development of solar trash compaction technology has gained public attention recently, with a number of local governments, including Seattle, putting this new technology to use in public areas. King County hopes that the use of these receptacles can save money by reducing the number of pickups at a given site, while at the same time having a positive environmental impact.

Over 1400 waste receptacles are in place at county transit centers and bus shelters, while 88 have been placed at park and ride lots and garages, and the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel has 16 receptacles. The report, received by the Council from the Transit Division, recommends the pilot program to see if the compactors could reduce labor costs, trash can overflow, and carbon emission from trash collection vehicles.

Under the pilot program, the Transit Division will oversee a one-year demonstration at two bus shelters on Pacific Highway South between Tukwila and Federal Way. The “BigBelly” Solar Compactors are totally enclosed collection systems, resistant to birds, rodents and other scavengers. This system also contributes to keeping the trash contained and dry during inclement weather.


The adopted motion advances the Council’s priority of Financial Stewardship