Joan Magrath, March 2010
Communities everywhere face a challenge of managing trash collection. On average,
Americans throw away 30 lbs of trash per week—that's 245 million tons of municipal solid
waste each year and it is increasing at an alarming rate. Cities and towns have responded by
increasing the number of receptacles and scheduling more pick-ups; but at the same time,
budgets have tightened, especially when it comes to fuel, labor, and equipment.
How do beaches keep birds from feeding on the overflowing trash and generating high levels
of E-Coli? How do they keep wind-blown trash out of rivers, lakes and oceans?
Despite all efforts, trash remains the top nuisance complaint. As a grad student, Jim Poss,
now President of Big Belly Solar, wanted to make his mark. Poss learned that garbage trucks
consume over 1 billion gallons of diesel each year in the U.S. alone. His conclusion - saving
fuel is environmentally and fiscally sound.
He came up with the idea for a solar powered trash compactor. Use the sun to power a trash
bin that will hold more, require less frequent pick ups, save energy and look good. He
founded Big Belly Solar and the first solar powered trash compactor came to be.
Big Belly Solar partnered with Mack Molding as their development partner and contract
manufacturer. From concept to production, we have met every challenge presented. The
original model, while it worked well, was costly to manufacture. The resulting product has
achieved cost goals, improved efficiency and product features, conserved energy and,
finally, converted a prototype unit into a well designed and well manufactured product. We
then answered consumer desires and addressed recycling needs. The ultimate challenge was
met with a wireless feature that enables each unit to communicate when a service pick-up is
required, again saving more fuel and labor.
This patented product has burst onto the scene with global interest and can be found in
national parks, beaches, universities, towns and major cities all over the world.
Transportation cost and emission has been reduced by 80%, waste management capacity
increased by 5X. Hear how this product was developed, is manufactured, and how it will
change the way you perceive trash.