What do Solar Bins do?

Solar powered litter bins have been designed to collect and contain high volumes of litter in public spaces in the UK. They feature an automatic waste compaction system powered by the solar panels installed on the top of the unit. Newer models also feature in-built technology that enables waste collection teams to monitor the fullness of each bin remotely.

How do they work?

When litter is disposed of in the bin it falls into an enclosed inner collection container. Within the inner container is a waste compaction plate that is activated when the waste inside reaches a certain level or after a specific number of deposits. Once activated, the compaction plate applies a downward force to squash the material to reduce its volume. This frequent waste compaction cycle continues until the waste held inside the inner container reaches its maximum capacity. This results in an alert being sent to indicate that the bin is full.

What are the key features of a solar bin?

• Solar panels – panels are located on the top of the unit to capture energy from the sun
• Internal battery – the battery within the unit stores the energy captured by the external solar panels enabling it to continue to operate through the night. The battery is housed in a secure and sealed part of the unit.
• Waste hatch – this is the flap-style hopper located at the front of the bin where people deposit their waste. It can be opened using the handle or the foot pedal at the base of the unit.
• Inner waste container – this is a fully enclosed the basket or bin which houses the waste and shields it from both wind and vermin.
• Compaction plate – this is the padel within the bin which applies pressure to compress the deposited waste using a downward motion
• Foot pedal – a pedal at the base of the unit can be used to open the waste hatch for touch-free waste disposal
• Lockable door – for safety the unit must be fitted with a secure lockable door that can only be opened by waste collection operatives
• Sensors – internal sensors within the unit measure the amount of waste held inside
• LED Fullness Indicators – these are located on the front of the bin to display the fullness of the bin
• Wireless Data Link – this internal system enables the bin to send alerts to a central platform that can help teams to remotely monitor the status of each bin

Why are councils in the UK switching to solar-compacting bins?

Solar-compacting bins are replacing traditional litter bins in many parts of the UK. Although they are more expensive, they offer several benefits for operatives tasked with the job of emptying litter bins in high-footfall areas.

1. They offer a higher waste capacity than a standard bin

Solar bins have an internal self-compacting mechanism enabling them to house up to 10 times more waste capacity than an equivalent size of standard bin with the same footprint.

2. They enable just-in-time waste collection

Many solar bins have the functionality to measure and report on the amount of waste stored within them. This enables street cleaning teams to travel to the bins that are nearing capacity. This is more efficient than the alternative method of travelling to every bin in person to check it which wastes valuable time and resources.

3. They retain waste material

Unlike waste thrown away in an open bin, waste put into a solar bin is not vulnerable to seagull raids, strong winds or anti-social behavior because it is stored in a locked and sealed internal container. 

4. They offer a better user experience

Many solar-powered litter bins feature a hopper which opens automatically when you press down on the foot pedal at the base of the unit. This method of opening offers the user a more pleasant and sanitary experience.

5. They enable more efficient waste collection

From the data received, staff responsible for waste collection can plan efficient collection routes around the area. This results in reduced fuel usage and CO2 emissions.

Introducing the new QCR Solar Bin in 2025

The new QCR Solar Bin is available to hire or purchase from Spring 2026. It offers councils and local authorities a new cost-effective solution for litter and waste management. One of the key features that differentiates it from others in the market is that the inner waste container is a standard wheeled 240L bin. This enables those responsible for emptying it to utilize their existing waste fleet to empty it mechanically making the process even more efficient.