Think Green®

Nature has always relied on the limitless power of the sun to keep our planet green and beautiful. That same thinking goes into the new Waste Management solar-powered trash compactor.

Running entirely on solar energy, these trash compactors and their companion recycling units are a cost-effective way to help turn areas like New England's Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium into clean, eco-friendly zones.

"Our WM solar-powered compactors are an important piece of Patriot Place's overall sustainability and recycling initiatives," said Brian Earley, general manager of Patriot Place. "In addition to promoting recycling efficiencies and reducing our waste volume and energy consumption, we have realized significant operational efficiencies and cost savings for waste removal."

Here's how: the units hold up to five times the volume of a typical trash barrel. This eliminates up to 80% of collection trips – which, in turn, can dramatically lower labor and fuel costs along with fuel emissions.

The way it works is simple. When the machine reaches capacity, internal sensors trigger the compactor to flatten trash into easy-to-collect bags. Optional wireless technology even lets you know when the bag is ready to be picked up. In addition, these units require little sunlight to operate. They still do the job in the shade or even covered in snow.

"We know intersections, public parks, city streets and other public spaces can be magnets for trash," said Dave Aardsma, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Waste Management. "Ordinary trash barrels can easily overflow and become eyesores. The Waste Management solar powered trash compactor, powered by Big Belly, can provide a number of solutions in those uses, by reducing waste collection frequency, lowering costs for our customers and ensuring a cleaner, greener environment."

To learn more about how these compactors can help communities like yours to Think Green, click here.