By David Kilby, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — What’s the future of trash collection?
If someone were to draw or describe the garbage can of the future, his or her depiction could look or sound something like a Big Belly Solar Compactor.
As Bordentown leaders look toward a greener future for the township, they are aiming to place a handful of “smart” trash cans around town.
The solar-powered trash compactors of Big Belly Solar Compactor are monitored through a wireless WiFi connected to a website and cost about $4,560 a piece, which doesn’t include installation and shipping, said Deputy Mayor Michael Dauber. The 26-inch-wide trash cans compact about five times the amount of garbage held by trash cans the same size.
At its meeting Aug. 13, the Township Committee discussed the pros and cons of adding the cans to the township’s list of green initiative projects.
Roger Plew, chairman of the Environmental Commission, discussed how the compactors could reduce garbage pickup work hours by up to 80 percent.
Committeewoman Jill Popko spoke of other towns, such as Moorestown and Morristown, which have implemented the Big Belly Solar Compactors.
”(The towns) are very positive about the amount they’re saving. My only concern was the maintenance on the Big Bellies,” she said, adding that keeping them clean may add some work hours.
But as far as installation, there isn’t much work involved.
”They come ready to use,” Mr. Plew said. “You just sit them down, and they’re ready to go. Installing just involves mounting them where you want them.”
He did add, however, that the cans would have to be cemented into the ground.
The cans have other drawbacks, too. For instance, there’s no way to prevent people from putting glass into the garbage compactors, and glass can’t be compacted. The cans the township is interested in for now are made for holding garbage, not recyclable items.
Also, the compacted trash cans usually end up being five times heavier than a normal can the same size.
Concerning the cost, committee members discussed the option of offering advertising opportunities to local businesses by giving them a chance to advertise on ad wraps that can be placed on the compactors.
Mr. Plew suggested buying six or seven of the compactors to see how they work out for the town. Each compactor is under a seven-year warrantee.
Learn more about the cans at www.bigbellysolar.com.

