The City and the Department of Public Works are rolling out a new strategy to keep the streets cleaner and the rodents at bay, as 200 solar-powered BigBelly bins will be installed across the city, starting this September. The so-called BigBelly bins are high-tech compared to their open-top predecessors, designed to compact trash, and connected to software that lets the DPW know when they need to be emptied.
City residents have long complained about the ever-present rodent population and litter on the streets. The new bins, which are more secure, aim to address that issue by being fully enclosed, which should make it harder for critters to access the contents. Additionally, the bins' design allows them to be emptied using mechanical tippers, an upgrade that makes waste collection safer for DPW employees, according to a recent announcement.
These aren't just ordinary trash bins; they're also part of the city's initiative to make recycling more accessible to the public. Since the number of recycling bins has increased from a modest 180 in 2018 to an impressive 500 by 2025, residents should find it easier than ever to responsibly dispose of recyclable materials. This surge in accessibility comes at a critical time when cities nationwide are grappling with the environmental impacts of waste management.
The Department of Public Works is urging residents to play their part by correctly sorting their waste. Items deemed recyclable include metal cans, and foil, glass bottles and jars, plastic containers, and paper and cardboard. In a bid to ensure the efficacy of the city's recycling efforts, the DPW stresses the importance of emptying these items before disposal, as contamination can incur extra costs for the city and more work for the facility's employees who have to manually sort through the recyclables. If anyone encounters an overflowing bin, the city encourages reporting it via their online portal, as noted in their public service announcement.
