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Solar-powered trash compactors
Going Green
Going Green: Solar-powered trash compactors
This is what trash looks like in a typical receptacle but here at Syracuse University, Chief Sustainability Officer Steve Lloyd says there is a new alternative that is more sustainable.
It's a solar-powered trash compactor, placed in one of the busiest areas on campus - the main drop off point for buses taking students to class and fans to sporting events at the Carrier Dome.
"During a football game or a basketball game regular trash receptacles had to be emptied a couple times a day but with this Big Bellied Solar Compactor, it's powered by the sun, it compacts the trash, we've only had to empty it six times since mid-September," said Steve Lloyd, SU Chief Sustainability Officer.
That has translated into substantial savings sooner than expected even though it costs $4,000.
Labor costs and fuel costs driving the collection truck up here have been reduced so this trash compactor has paid for itself in less than a year, and yes there is plenty of sun, even in Syracuse, to power the compactor.
Central New York actually has a lot of sun. It's similar to Germany and Germany is one of the leaders in solar power. So it really is very impressive that it works here because most people don't think it does.
The key is location, making sure other buildings don't block out the sun.
The next big test is durability, can the Big Bellied Solar-powered Trash Compactor make it through a Central New York winter.
We're going to see how it goes over the winter with plows and everything coming by here we know it's going to get nicked and dinged no doubt and snow will be pushed up against it.
If all goes well then we may be seeing more solar-powered trash compactors.
