Partnership Expands Bigbelly Recycling Bins in New York City

The Alliance for Downtown New York through a partnership has increased the number of recycling bins in New York City to 174 from 16.

The alliance partnered with Vector Media of New York to expand the number of the Newton, Mass.-based Bigbelly solar-powered waste and recycling units, according to a news release. Vector Media becomes the exclusive partner for the units’ exteriors with the public-private partnership.

The Bigbelly stations allow for waste disposal and recycling of paper, plastic or glass at the appropriate bin. The units compact the material through solar power, while remote monitoring via wireless technology informs staff when units need to be emptied.

In October 2012 the alliance launched a pilot of the Bigbelly program with five waste stations and expanded the program in early 2013 with 11 waste stations and 16 recycling stations. The program grew to 158 compacting waste stations throughout Lower Manhattan.

Bigbelly stations have reduced the need to empty full bins by nearly 75 percent.