Physical plant tests ‘green’ trash can
June 23rd, 2009
Physical plant has installed its first “green” trash receptacle near the clock tower on Belknap Campus.
Called the Big Belly, it is roughly the same size as other campus trash receptacles, but it can hold up to five times more trash.
“It has a sensor inside and when the trash builds up, a solar-powered compactor kicks in and smashes it,” said Aaron Boggs, grounds superintendent.
Physical plant located the new trashcan near the Student Activities Center because it is a high-traffic, high trash volume area.
“We generate a lot of trash in that area and empty cans there sometimes twice a day,” Boggs said.
Physical plant administration hopes the compactor will provide labor, fuel and maintenance savings, as well as environmental benefits, such as reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, he said.
Cities that have installed the cans are seeing major cost benefits, he added.
