Cork City is sparkling a little brighter today, thanks to the installation of 54 state-of-the-art solar-powered Big Belly bins. Funded by the Litter Infrastructure Support Grant Scheme from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, these innovative waste management units are now a common sight around the city centre, heralding a new era of cleanliness and efficiency.
The Future Street – BigBelly bins are designed not just to hold waste but to smartly manage it. Each bin is equipped with a sensor that detects the fill level and compacts the rubbish as needed, increasing capacity by up to eight times. This advanced system ensures that the bins require emptying less frequently, which translates into lower collection costs, fewer emissions, and less disruption to the city’s daily flow.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The fully enclosed design keeps out birds and vermin, making them a hygienic choice for a bustling urban environment. Operable via a foot pedal and capable of sending real-time data to Cork City Council staff when they’re full, these bins are not just bins—they are a part of a connected, responsive urban ecosystem.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Deirdre Forde, praised the initiative: “Keeping the city clean is crucial for making it welcoming for residents, shoppers, tourists, and businesses alike. I’m thrilled with the investment in these solar compacting bins.” She also highlighted the hard work of the city’s cleaning crews and called on Cork’s citizens to contribute to keeping their city clean.
This initiative follows a successful trial of 10 similar bins last year, which demonstrated that just eight hours of sun can power the bins’ compacting mechanism for a month. The positive response to the trial has paved the way for this broader rollout, promising a cleaner, greener Cork.
As Cork continues to innovate in urban sustainability, these bins stand as a testament to the city’s commitment to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly future. Let’s make sure we do our part by using these facilities responsibly. Keeping Cork beautiful is, after all, a task for us all.