Lombard tests out solar-powered trash compactor

LOMBARD, Illinois—There's something new under the sun in Downtown Lombard …Waste Management's (WM) “Big Belly” Trash Compactor, topped with solar panels. Although trim in appearance, “Big Belly” not only can take in five times as much trash as a comparable 35-gallon bin, but electronically signals WM for pick-up when it's full.

A demonstration unit in “Volunteer Plaza” (southwest corner of Main Street and St. Charles Road) is under review by Village staff for potential use in highly visible areas and sites where trash frequently overflows.

Waste Management believes that its solar-powered compactor can substantially reduce manpower and pick-up truck costs, estimating millions of savings over its ten-year warranted life. Previous municipal users have found the savings claims to be true, even though the unit cost is $3,995.

The unit is designed for easy maintenance and has a long-life battery back-up.

After reviewing the “Big Belly” test run, Village management hopes that the its performance merits purchasing several to (1) Keep public areas free of trash in busy periods, (2) Provide manpower and fuel savings, (3) Improve air quality by reducing WM truck emissions.

“Volunteer” Plaza is just north of the train station, bordering Main Street, dedicated in November, 1995, as Main Street Plaza. It is home to “Hometown Pledge”, a heart-warming sculpture created by the late Lombard artist, Earl “Bud“ Swanson. “Hometown Pledge” shows two youngsters, the girl giving the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance, the boy saluting the Flag. “Hometown Pledge” was dedicated September 14, 2006.

During the past few years, all Village departments have been looking at various ways to save money, reduce Village expenditures and combine resources, yet still deliver the same quality services that Lombard residents expect to receive. Testing the use of solar power and new, intelligent “green” technology to achieve savings and improved service is one such example.