DTE Energy’s Detroit neighborhood has some new additions: the city’s first smart, solar-powered trash and recycling compactor units.
The eco-friendly trash cans come equipped with sensors and wireless communication systems. When the bins are full they send a notification to the Waste Management of Michigan, limiting collection visits (and their vehicle emissions) to only those times when the bins reach capacity.
The compactor technology allows the bins to hold nearly five times the capacity of standard trash bins, reducing overflow and street litter.
All Bigbelly units sport safety features including fully interlocked access doors, a locked front trash removal door and a hopper-style insertion door. These features prevent unauthorized access or potential injury while the compactor is in operation.
The pilot program is part of the company’s Energize Detroit community and neighborhood revitalization initiative.
"DTE is always exploring environmentally-sound projects that are good for our employees, customers and the communities where they live and work," stated Anthony Tomczak, executive director of Corporate Services for DTE Energy.
"The solar compactors will not only help to keep our community clean, but will do so using a renewable form of energy," Tomczak said. "I hope that other businesses consider this technology so that we can achieve the critical mass needed to make a difference in Detroit and surrounding communities."
The units are located at the Third Street bus stop area across from the MGM Grand Detroit, at its Navitas House office building at Bagley Avenue and Third Street, in the company's food truck area near the headquarters building entrance. The company also installed four units inside its headquarters complex.
To learn more about Bigbelly, visit their website here.
DTE Energy is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. For more information on DTR Energy, visit their website.