The new bins will be installed in areas of high footfall including town centres with the older bins being removed. Residents have been told to look out for bins with colourful depictions of local attractions.
The Big Belly Bins use solar power to compact waste and send an alert to the borough’s cleansing team so they can be emptied only when needed and before they become full.
The council hopes that this will result in fewer journeys which will reduce its fuel costs and pollution, as well as freeing up time for the cleansing team to focus on work such as clearing up fly tipping and graffiti.
Nine of the bins will also be able to talk back to residents. These will be located outside schools, the sea creatures in Lady Neville Park playground and the penguin in Woodhatch Park.
‘No excuse for dropping litter in the borough’
Councillor Hannah Avery, executive member for neighbourhood services, said: “We’re taking litter seriously and our new solar-powered bins, including eight recycling bins, will make it easier for people to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and help keep Reigate & Banstead litter free and looking good.
“Not only will these smart, solar-powered bins help us to reduce our carbon footprint, but they’ll look smart too: some will have eye-catching designs to celebrate the borough and some will be particularly hungry creatures that may even thank you in person for feeding them. There really will be no excuse for dropping litter in the borough.”
The new bins, provided and installed by Future Street, have been funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which is a charge on new development to help fund the infrastructure needed to support new homes and businesses.
Subscribe for free