Solar powered bin trialled in York
The bin holds more waste as it has a compacter which runs on solar power. The bin can calculate when it is getting full and triggers an automatic plunge system that compacts the waste. It also has a traffic light system, which alerts the waste team when it needs to be emptied. The trial of the Big Belly Bin started in August 2011, as part of the councils Litter Bin Review and Reinvigorate York scheme. Since the start of the trial, figures indicate that if the council were to roll out the bins city-wide, it could make efficiency savings as the larger bin does not need emptying as often.
Councillor Dafydd Williams, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhood services, said: These bins hold eight times more waste than traditional bins, plus theyre less time consuming, far more efficient and much cleaner. For these reasons, we really need to consider rolling these out city wide and hope to discuss this further in the spring.
Straight launches rebranded website
Container manufacturer Straight has launched a new look website, as part of a rebranding exercise which began at the end of 2011.
The rebranded website features case studies of the companys activities, enhanced product information and a blog which showcases comments and expert opinions from within the industry. The company said the website compliments the companys fresh and exciting new brand with a softer and more tactile look and feel.
Jonathan Straight, chief executive of Straight, said: We are delighted to have launched our new website. It is a showcase of all our key products and services in one location with a lot of supporting information. Not only is it easier to use, but it is much more comprehensive. It provides a great platform for us to offer a transformational experience to our customers.
Veolia rolls out wheeled bins in Haringey
Veolia Environmental Services has begun the roll-out of 240 litre wheeled bins for dry recyclables to residents in Haringey as part of its collection contract with the borough council.
The move will see residents current recycling boxes replaced by a larger 240 litre wheeled bin however the collections of dry recyclables will remain weekly. Veolia took over the service from previous contractor Enterprise in March 2011 and has since moved residual waste collections in the borough from weekly to fortnightly.
Commenting on the new wheeled bins councillor Nilgun Canver, cabinet member responsible for the environment at Haringey, said: These larger bins will make it easier for people to add more to their recycling waste without it spilling out into their gardens. I hope this encourages more recycling as we try to cut waste going to incineration and landfill.
Devon council rolls out seagull-proof bin
South Hams district council in Devon has started using bins with a specially designed seagull flap to prevent seagulls from spreading litter across its street.
Container manufacturer Leafield Environmental has added a flap to its 130-litre hooded Pioneer bin which will prevent birds from grabbing waste from inside the container, but still allow waste to be deposited easily by people.
Steve Mason, cleansing management officer at South Hams district council, said: Seagulls were pulling rubbish out of the litterbins onto the street, which made a mess of the town and only encouraged more seagulls.
“Unlike other manufacturers, Leafield Environmental listened and solved the problem. The integral flaps have proved 100% successful and will now be rolled out in Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Ivybridge.
Oxfordshire residents given compost bin offer
The Oxfordshire Waste Partnership (OWP) and container manufacturer Straight have teamed up to offer Oxfordshire residents a discounted rate on home compost bins throughout March 2012.
The cheapest bin on offer to residents will cost 15, but will rise to 16 on April 1.
OWP chairman councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: Composting food and garden waste at home is not only great for the environment and our gardens, it saves us as councils having to deal with so much waste. We have sold over fifty thousand compost bins across the county over the past few years and its important we keep supporting people to compost. While the new deal still offers superb value, Id encourage anyone thinking of getting into composting to buy a bin before the end of March to save that little bit extra!
Residents can purchase compost bins and accessories from www.oxfordshirewaste.gov.uk.
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