in Barcelona
3 to 5 Nov 2026In a move to enhance waste management and curb litter, the city of New Brunswick (NJ) has deployed 50 high-tech, solar-powered smart trash compactor. These Bigbelly units, which compact their contents to hold up to five times the capacity of traditional bins, offer an innovative solution to streamline city waste collection.
Equipped with sensors, each unit can signal when it’s full. City officials and Department of Public Works (DPW) employees can track this data through an online dashboard or a mobile app, allowing them to optimize collection routes and skip bins that aren’t full. This efficiency saves time and resources, reducing unnecessary trips and fuel consumption.
The $250,000 investment, made possible by an Urban Enterprise Zone grant, places New Brunswick alongside major cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco in adopting sustainable technology. Beyond improving efficiency, these fully enclosed units help control odors and are designed to be more visually appealing, enhancing the city’s aesthetics. New Brunswick officials are optimistic that if successful, Bigbelly units could eventually replace older, less efficient bins citywide, supporting the city’s goals for a cleaner and greener environment.
