Paterson Expands Smart Waste Program with 55 Solar-Powered Bins

Paterson, NJ has installed 55 new solar-powered trash compactors from Bigbelly Waste Management as part of the city’s Clean Streets initiative. The $264,000 project, funded through the Urban Enterprise Zone program, adds to the 90 smart bins previously deployed under a different vendor.

The new units, placed across major commercial corridors, feature solar-powered compaction, animal-proof design, and sensors that notify city staff when bins are nearly full, helping optimize collection schedules and reduce emissions. Officials said the expansion supports ongoing efforts to modernize waste management, cut costs, and improve public spaces across Paterson.