BigBelly Solar, based in Newton, MA, markets and sells the world’s first trash compactor powered by solar power. Trash is compacted with no utility connection needed, thereby minimizing the number of garbage pickups necessary and reducing operating costs by up to 80%.

The average trash compactor requires a grid-based electricity connection. With Big Belly Solar, the sun shine (which is free and always available) provides the energy needed. In addition, less frequent pickups equal a reduction in transportation related expenses. Newer “BigBellys” can even send text messages when the cans are full to alert a pickup is needed.

BigBelly Solar has reported that sales have doubled in 2008 and 2009. About 46 states in the United States and 25 countries have purchased these solar-powered compacting units. Philadelphia has leased 500 Big Belly compactors and has reduced pickups from 17 times to 5 times in a week, and is estimated to save $13 million in a 10 year span.

I wanted to highlight BigBelly Solar because they are a local company making a big difference in the Newton, MA community keeping the city clean, saving money, and lowering emissions. Newton first installed five BigBelly trash compactors in 2006. They have since added 18 additional compacting units in the city’s highest volume areas.

You can see a Big Belly solar-powered trash compactor in action in the following areas of Newton:

– 295 Auburn St, Auburndale, MA,

– 345 Auburn St, Auburndale, MA

– 423 Lexington St, Auburndale, MA

– 2094 Commonwealth Ave, Auburndale, MA

– 330 Homer St, Newtonville, MA (Newton Main Library)

– 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newtonville, MA (City Hall)

– 457 Walnut St, Newtonville, MA (Newton North High School)

– 399 Watertown St, Nonantum, MA (Magni Coletti Park)

– 28 Langley Rd, Newton Centre, MA

– 46 Langley Rd, Newton Centre, MA

– 67 Langley Rd, Newton Centre, MA