Merton Council is set to trial six hi-tech bins that use solar power to compact the rubbish then inform collectors when it is full.

Two will be placed in Wimbledon Park, while Dundonald Rec, Sir Joseph Hood, Colliers Wood Rec and South Park Gardens will each get one.

The solar bins run on a 12 volt battery which draws the sun's power via solar panels.

According to Kyron Energy & Power, distributors of the BigBelly Solar bins, the compactor technology increases the capacity six to eight times that of a normal street bin.

Each compactor comes equipped with a wireless monitoring system. This enables the refuse collection teams to view fullness of each bin on computers and smart phones.

The system sends a text and or email when the bin is 85 per cent full and in need of emptying.

The cost per bin is £1,000 per year, leased for a minimum of five years. If the year-long pilot is successful, and the council invested in 30 bins, it predicts savings of £15,000 per year could be made on expenditures such as vehicle journeys and fuel costs.

Merton Council's cabinet member for performance and implementation, Councillor Mark Betteridge, said: "These new bins are great and a fantastic example of Merton’s business-like approach to running our services.

"Not only will they assist in keeping our parks clean, they should also help us be more efficient, delivering better value for our residents.

"We want to see local people and their families out and about in our parks this summer. 

"There’s so much to enjoy from paddling pools to great play areas, walks and picnics - there’s something for everyone."

 

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