Big Bellys

BigBelly’s are currently being used throughout UC Irvine’s campus to maintain a clean environment while also being energy efficient. So what exactly are BigBelly’s and how are they helping UCI become more sustainable?

BigBelly’s are a set of landfill and recycling compactors with built-in solar panels that monitor the amount of waste being collected. Powered by solar energy, a sensor detects its remaining capacity and then compresses all the waste material so more items can be collected. These new innovative compactors hold 8 times more waste then a standard street bin. Once the bins are nearly full a notification is sent out to have the trash collected.

These bins are maximizing our energy efficiency and only require 10 minutes of direct sunlight to fully charge! By having BigBelly’s throughout campus, UCI is also becoming more efficient in reallocating labor tasks to other areas on campus and in managing costs. We are reducing our carbon footprint by decreasing the amount of fuel needed for garbage trucks to haul the waste. These bins are currently located near Aldrich Hall, on Ring Road, and near UCI shuttle bus stops.

Benefits include:

Using renewable solar energy

Cutting CO2 emissions

Eliminating waste overflow

helping maintain a cleaner campus

Improving labor efficiency by eliminating unnecessary waste pick-ups