In other news...It's great to come across a story that seems so backwards, but in the end it makes complete sense. The image of a trash can with solar panels appears to be the symbol of excess in the name of "green." Enter BigBelly's solar powered trash compactor.
By July, Philadelphia will install 500 of these BigBelly trash cans throughout their downtown neighborhood Center City. Normal trash cans in this area have to be emptied 19 times a week compared to just 5 times with BigBelly. The lower removal rate will allow the city to employ just 8 workers rather than 33. The city insists that these jobs will be retained in other areas.
Richard Kennelly, vice president of marketing for BigBelly Solar, in Needham, Mass, looked through some city numbers, coming up with $12.9 million in savings over 10 years. The savings will quickly pay back the initial $2.2 million price tag for the bins.
It is not a coincidence that something that helps the environment can save a city government money. Efficiency is the tie that bonds these two entities together, and it will happen again and again. While your home may not need a BigBelly can, let this be an example of how to look at the true cost of the things you buy.
More on BigBelly Solar.
Article on BigBelly cans from Philly.com.
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