Liverpool City Council has unveiled a new trial of solar-powered “smart bins” that use sensor technology. When a bin starts to become full, a compactor is triggered that compresses the waste, reducing the need for the bin to be emptied. This will allow up to 100% more space than standard litter bins. The technology also enables bins to send alerts to local waste depots when almost full, improving operational efficiency by reducing time spent emptying bins and vehicle-related carbon emissions.
The first 20 bins are to be put in place across key sites in the city and tested in a variety of sites including Lime Street piazza, Sefton Park, Newsham Park, Ranelagh Street, Whitechapel, Church Street, West Derby Village, Woolton Church Road, County Road, Lark Lane, Allerton Road and outside Anfield stadium.
Liverpool City Council has used bin technology before to reduce litter, with subterranean “super bins” installed in alleyways that are unsuitable for wheelie bins. These bins have reportedly reduced bin-bag related litter by 80%, as well as lowering the incidence of vermin by 50%.
The smart-bin technology is part of a £2.5m ($3m) project to improve the city’s cleansing satisfaction ratings from the current 39% to 61%, closer to the national average. The programme will also focus on the implementation of a range of other measures, including a new environment, anti-social behaviour task force supported by an external enforcement provider. Furthermore, fixed penalty notices for littering, fly tipping, and other ecological offences will be increased to the maximum level allowed under recent legislation, whilst community groups are being encouraged to develop anti-litter programmes.
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