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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

solar powered rubbish bin

I came across this very interesting toy in my newsletter: the BigBelly solar powered trash can.

You must be wondering, why would a rubbish bin need solar energy? To microwave the rubbish inside? Nah, The solar panel powers a compactor, which will compact (ie, squeeze) the rubbish inside the bin. It is said that this bin can hold 5 times as much rubbish as an ordinary rubbish bin. BigBelly eh?

This high tech rubbish bin also has some not-so-obvious benefits. Imagine it can hold 5 times as much rubbish, that means the cleaner only needs to empty the bin 5 times less frequent than before. This definitely saves manhour. Now, the manufacturer claims that it can save the rubbish truck's trip by 80%, which means saving on fuel, reducing emission and easing the road congestion. Less smelly rubbish trucks on the road.

The way I see some roadside rubbish bin overflowing, I think Singapore needs some of this toys.


Here is their website.


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13 Comments:

  • A couple of questions directed at no one in particular(pardon me if it sounds noobish),

    1)Does this work at night?

    2)What are the precautions to prevent it from being stolen?

    3)Is it expensive to make?

    If the answers are satisfactory, I think this is would be a rather innovative and useful "toy" to make.

    By Anonymous "chao" dingo, at 5/14/2008 08:54:00 AM  

  • lol, nah it isn't noobish!

    1) they say it doesn't need direct sunlight, ie ambient light is sufficient. Not sure if they have battery for night operation.

    2) think it can be bolted to the ground.

    3) more expensive than normal low tech rubbish bin, but the manufacturer claims can earn back within 2 years.

    lol, is my answer satisfactory? Apparently a few cities in the states are using the bin already.

    By Blogger chillycraps, at 5/14/2008 09:00:00 AM  

  • 1)Perhaps a battery that stores the surplus energy it collects from the sun.. I guess?

    2)I went to the website and took a look, specs wise it's ok, though I'm quite surprised at the weight of this thing.(freaking 136kg!)

    and If it's bolted then I'm sure that further eliminates the probability of people carrying it away. But what if the culprit is armed with a spanner and wrench? haha

    and let's not forget about vandals.

    BUT! I guess this are just pretty minor stuffs if you were to compare it with the amount of energy and money you can save.

    3)not bad. though the website claims it's <1.5 years.

    ok, I'm sure this rubbish bin has potential. Lets go invest in it!

    wahahahaha kidding! but seriously, I'm with you on this, it would be great to implement this in Singapore.

    By Anonymous Chaosdingo, at 5/14/2008 09:53:00 AM  

  • but in singapore, we seldom see rubbish truck stopping at every rubbish bin to collect the rubbish. Maybe it's more of save manhour/manpower instead of fuel and emission and congestion.

    By Blogger chillycraps, at 5/14/2008 10:10:00 AM  

  • Actually now that you'd mentioned it, most rubbish bins seems to be cleared out by cleaners rather than trucks..

    But considering the current rate that Singapore keeps employing foreign talents, this might still be a better alternatives... I guess?

    By Anonymous chaosdingo, at 5/14/2008 11:09:00 AM  

  • i guess so, at least can save on wages.

    By Blogger chillycraps, at 5/14/2008 11:37:00 AM  

  • there is a solar panel at the bus stop opposite YIH, hmmm maybe the extra power can be used to make a similar bin.

    hey engineering student, invent something. hehe....

    By Blogger Keropok Man, at 5/14/2008 04:48:00 PM  

  • wow, i didn't know that! Hmm... maybe to power the vending machine?

    lol, u want me to violate intellectual property?

    By Blogger chillycraps, at 5/14/2008 08:58:00 PM  

  • Haha... but then hor... 5 times more junks... lesser trips for the auntie.. then wun the garbage turn smelly?

    Hmm actually since so many junks inside on the hot sun.... should tap into solar thermal energy on top of that... lol. ya lor.. dunno whats the solar panel there for....

    By Blogger ahdee, at 5/15/2008 12:01:00 AM  

  • the solar panels there is to power the lights at the bus stop. i think they are doing some experiments.

    during the night you can see the lights.

    By Blogger Keropok Man, at 5/15/2008 12:11:00 AM  

  • ahdee: solar thermal energy? and incinerate the rubbish on the spot??

    keropok: ok next time i must go and see =)

    By Blogger chillycraps, at 5/15/2008 08:15:00 AM  

  • no la... u compact them so close then will generate some heat when the things inside decompose ma... lol...

    By Blogger ahdee, at 5/16/2008 01:20:00 PM  

  • oooooooo lidat also can...

    By Blogger chillycraps, at 5/16/2008 01:52:00 PM  

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