Solar-powered smart bins installed in city centre

New solar-powered bins that alert waste disposal teams when they need emptying have been installed across Sheffield.

Sheffield City Council said the "Bigbelly" smart bins could compact waste on demand and "reduce unnecessary collections" by more than 80%.

Joe Otten, chair of the environmental services and regulation policy committee said the technology was "a practical investment that will make a real difference to our streets".

He said: "They help us keep the city cleaner, reduce the number of vehicle trips needed for collections, and support our commitment to lowering carbon emissions."

"We want Sheffield to be a place people are proud of, and this is another step toward creating cleaner, greener public spaces for everyone."

In partnership with Future Street and Amey, 20 of the 35 new bins have been installed in the city centre.

The bins are fully enclosed to reduce pest problems and to improve hygiene, according to the council.

Greg Cutts, UK territory manager at Future Street said the aim was to "drastically improve street cleanliness and deliver a vastly more efficient, data-driven service for residents."

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