# Solar Powered Trash Cans The 'Big Belly' Compacts Garbage Using Sun Energy By Shelby Lee Walsh | Published 2009-05-31 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-powered-trash-cans-big-belly References: [philly](http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20090501_New_city_trash_bins_are_smart__green-friendly.html) & [bigbellysolar](http://bigbellysolar.com/) There is a new edition to 15th Street and JFK boulevard in Philadelphia: The first ever “Big Belly." This [trash compactor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trash-receptacles) is completely [solar powered](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birds-eye-shipping-trucks) and is a green solution to our current garbage problem. The “Big Belly” only has to be emptied a mere five times per week as opposed to regular bins that need attention roughly 19 times a week. By July 2010, there will be more than 500 “Big Bellies” installed and 210 of those will have an added bonus of a [recycling bin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tacoma). This invention is sure to save time, fuel costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Solar Powered Trash Compactors:** The use of solar energy in trash compactors creates an opportunity for sustainable waste management solutions. - **Smart Waste Management:** Integrating technology in waste management systems can optimize efficiency and reduce operational costs and carbon footprint. - **Recycling Bin Integration:** Incorporating recycling options within trash compactor units promotes eco-consciousness and encourages proper waste disposal. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Waste Management:** Innovative waste management systems have the potential to revolutionize the industry, reducing costs and environmental impact while improving efficiency. - **Renewable Energy:** The use of solar-powered trash compactors demonstrates the potential for renewable energy applications in unlikely industries such as waste management. - **Environmental Services:** Environmental services firms may partner with technology companies to develop sustainable waste management solutions using solar power and IoT technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rodent-Preventative Trash Bins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/group-project.md) - [Renewable Circular Trash Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mill.md) - [AI-Enabled Recycling Bins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartsort.md) - [AI-Powered Recycling Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/binko-recycling-machine.md) - [Recycling Home-Use Compactor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clear-drop-1.md) - [Urban Solar Charging Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovia.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-van.md) - [Tree-Inspired Solar Panel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarbotanic-energy-tree.md) - [Cambodian Smart Waste Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-clean-siem-reap.md)