Paterson, NJ is buying fancy trash cans that each cost thousands

PATERSON — City officials have cleared the purchase of solar-powered trash cans as the latest Garden State community to embrace the pricey, green-minded self-compacting technology.

On Oct. 11, the City Council approved spending $700,000 in state money (via the city’s Urban Enterprise Zone) to buy the solar-powered trash receptacles.

Smaller bins cost $2,500 while high-capacity models cost $4,400, each, as reported by Paterson Press.

Paterson’s order for 200 bins would be installed around the city’s shopping districts.

Solar trash cans with self compactors (BigBelly.com)

Four years ago, Bloomfield invested in the same brand of smart-technology compacting waste bins produced by Bigbelly Solutions Inc.

Also by early 2018, Montclair had purchased 70 such bins, each with a capacity for holding 150 gallons of trash, from the same Massachusetts-based company.

Among the earliest adopters, Jersey City and Hoboken installed the self-compacting trash bins in 2011 and 2013, respectively.

Each receptacle auto-generates email and online notifications to the Department of Public Works when it needs to be emptied.

Solar trash cans with self compactors (BigBelly.com)

As reported by Paterson Press, a couple of Council members voted against the purchase, voicing skepticism that the price tag would be worth it.

The council also approved four other uses for the UEZ money on Oct. 11, including $500,000 to hire companies to clean commercial areas.

Erin Vogt is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach her at erin.vogt@townsquaremedia.com

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