Local authorities in England spent £173m more than planned in the 2020/21 financial year on waste collection and disposal. Waste collection costs vary from council to council but analysing the data from one small council with a population of 118,000 showed that savings of around £130,000 could be made if they switched to using a smarter public waste bin.

Lightmain are proud to be the UK suppliers for the CitySolar, the 100% solar powered smart bin which helps local authorities not only save money but reduce their carbon footprint through their waste collection systems. With a whopping 1,200 litre capacity due to its impressive solar-powered compression unit, the CitySolar can hold the same as 5 x 240 litre 'XL Litter Bins' which alone could drastically save on waste collection costs.

Another feature is its ability to avoid potential false readings which can occur with laser or ultrasonic technologies. The CitySolar is fitted with patented fill-level technology whereby the compaction mechanism calculates an accurate ‘full’ measurement. It will then send a message alert to the end user when it requires emptying, saving on uneccesary collections. Less waste collections mean fewer emmisions which helps the environment and reduces the carbon footprint for your municipal.

Designed and engineered by the widely renowned Finnish designer and manufacturer Finbin, the CitySolar’s powerful solar panels charge an internal battery to operate the compaction and measuring features, which still performs in low light conditions. Made from stainless steel and aluminium, the durability of this smart bin can withstand the test of time even on the busiest of streets and public places.

Another area of concern is the health risks posed to bin collectors caused by non mechanical collections and the inevitable costs associated with these work place injuries. Did you know that in 2019/20 there were 38.8 million working days lost in the UK due to workplace injuries? and that there were 0.5 million work-related musculoskeletal disorder cases? The CitySolar helps to reduce waste collection related injuries with its safe and ergonomic design. It houses a standard 240 litre 2 wheeled bin that conforms with EN840 standards ensuring it can be emptied safely. It is also emptied mechanically in the same way domestic bin collections are carried out, using trucks with ‘bin lifters’. This means no heavy load strain being placed on the operative, helping to reduce the number of lost working days due to injuries.

Totally customisable, the CitySolar can be tailored to incorporate brand colours and logos, blending in effortlessly with the aesthetic of your town or city.

Find out more about the CitySolar smart bin here. To discuss its suitability for your town or city, please get in touch.

This article is sponsored by Lightmain