Fingal County is set to become even cleaner and greener with the rollout of 150 new solar-powered compactable smart bins across Swords, Balbriggan, Castleknock, and Mulhuddart. Future Street Ltd, a leading provider of innovative waste solutions, has been selected to supply these state-of-the-art Bigbelly bins, after a competitive tender process managed by Fingal County Council.
The initial phase will see 100 bins installed by April, with an additional 50 set to be in place by the end of summer. These bins will be strategically located in high-traffic areas such as bustling town centers and vibrant coastal zones, identified by Area Inspectors where current waste facilities are overwhelmed by demand.
These advanced Bigbelly units boast an internal compactor that increases capacity by 6-8 times compared to traditional street bins, reducing the frequency of collections needed. Equipped with internal sensors, the bins can alert council staff when they need to be emptied. Additionally, these bins promote hygiene with foot pedals for hands-free operation and even have the capability to provide free public Wi-Fi. Operating entirely on solar power, these units require just eight hours of daylight to power a month’s worth of compaction and communication.
Mary T Daly, Director of Operations and Water Services at Fingal County Council, highlighted the operational advantages: “The launch of these new solar-powered bins will provide increased capacity in street bins in high footfall areas across the County. Each bin is also fitted with a wheeled internal liner to facilitate less manual handling and this can help reduce the risk of injury to staff.”
Rob Smith, Head of Product at Future Street, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “There is nothing more rewarding than to witness a local authority or private business reap the benefits of saving money and reducing CO2 with the Bigbelly bin. We look forward to working closely in partnership with Fingal County Council to ensure they realise all the potential and benefits of our Smart Waste System first-hand.”
This initiative not only enhances the aesthetic and functional aspects of Fingal’s public spaces but also aligns with broader environmental goals, illustrating a proactive approach to sustainable waste management and carbon footprint reduction.