Twenty-five new compacting bins powered by the sun are being rolled out across the city centre to help the war against litter.

Thanks to @VoteDave for the photo.
There are two volume sensors within the bin and when the rubbish reaches a certain level, the sensors trigger the compactor. Each bin is roughly the same size of an ordinary street bin but because of its compaction capability it can hold up to eight times more capacity than the average street bin.
This enables the Council’s city centre cleansing team to spend more time tackling grime hotspots and less time checking and emptying litter bins.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said, “This investment in new technology follows a successful Bath & North East Somerset Council trial at Orange Grove. It makes great sense because bins need emptying less frequently meaning our staff can be deployed in the war against grime much more efficiently.
“People are the first line of defence against litter and detritus and, in future, they will find far fewer of our bins overflowing when they dispose of their rubbish responsibly.”
Upgrade options, such as a Wireless Monitoring System which sends Text Messages to staff indicating they are ready for emptying and additional bins for recycling, will be considered in the future.
Bill Walters, Bath City Centre Neighbourhood Team Manager, said, “These will make a big difference to the efficiency of the street cleansing team and improve the appearance of the city because they substantially reduce the risk of bins overflowing and looking unsightly. We can tell instantly when a bin needs emptying because it flashes green for ok, amber for filling-up, and red for full.”
The public can help the Council keep normal bins clean and tidy by reporting when they are full to Council Connect via www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit or email [email protected] or call 01225 39 40 41 or Text SMS 07797 806545.