Bigbelly Solar Inc.

Bigbelly is a Needham company that makes fully enclosed smart trash and recycling bins for public spaces. Its solar-powered compacting bins hold about five times the waste of a traditional bin in the same footprint, so they need fewer collections. Because waste is sealed inside once it goes in, the bins prevent windblown litter and cut off a food source for rats and other pests, keeping sidewalks, parks and plazas cleaner.

Customers range from small towns and business improvement districts to major cities, college campuses, airports, transit systems, parks, zoos, amusement parks and restaurants. The bins report how full they are, so crews know when and where to collect before overflows happen. Bigbelly also provides real-time data and long-term reporting on waste volume, recycling diversion and collection activity to help organizations plan their operations.

What to Know

• Bins are configurable for trash, recycling and different site needs.
• The company says fewer collections also make spaces quieter.
• The company is a member of the Charles River Regional Chamber.