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Collier County to pilot solar-powered trash compactors on public beaches

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COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- Visitors at public facilities in Collier County are seeing new solar trash compactors at 10 county beaches and marinas.

The solar-powered units are completely self-powered and hold 180 gallons of waste – five times as much as a standard trash receptacle. They are also fully enclosed units keep waste in and animals out.

Collier County’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Management and Parks and Recreation Divisions have worked with solid waste franchisee hauler Waste Management Inc., of Florida on the project.

Collection crews are automatically notified via a smartphone application that signals when the bin is full, so there are no overflowing bins.

The pilot program will run through the busy summer months while staff evaluates the impact on reducing litter and collection costs in high-traffic parks and beaches.

Look for the solar-powered trash and recycling compactors at the following beaches and marinas:

Cocohatchee Marina
Bayview Park
Gulfshore/Seagate Access
Bluebill Access
Tigertail Beach
Clam Pass Beach
Vanderbilt Beach
Goodland Boating Park
South Marco Beach Access
Caxambas Marina