Waterford Council wants your rubbish! at RunningWithBulls.com

Waterford Council wants your rubbish!

Published by bbt July 13th, 2006 in bernard

Waterford Council are installing solar powered rubbish bins on the streets of Waterford city.
If it does actually save space in the long run by compacting the rubbish then its a wonderful thing. If it saves time so they don’t have to be emptied every day, even better!

THIS solar-powered litter bin holds up to six more rubbish than others of its size and is now to be found on a street in Waterford city centre.

The so-called Big Belly bin erected at Thomas Street two weeks ago outside the 24/7 convenience store is the first of its kind in Waterford.

It accomplishes the feat of being able to take, depending on its size, between four and six times the amount of refuse of other litter bins because it compresses the waste once the bin is full.

The bin is actually supplied by a new local company Ellicro Environmental Care Ltd, founded by James Croke and Anthony Kelly, and installed and maintained by another local company Environmental Recycling Systems Engineering run by Adrian Buckley and Derek Walsh. Both enterprises employ a total of 13 people.

The bin’s waste compactor, which exerts a force of 1600lbs worth of pressure on the rubbish, is powered by the rays of the sun. Just five hours of sunlight is sufficient to power the compactor for 28 days.

“By compressing the waste, the bin doesn’t have to be collected as often and this ultimately reduces the number of waste collection trucks on the road and carbon emissions into the atmosphere,�? says James Croke.

He points out that before the Big Belly arrived, the 24/7 store on Thomas Street emptied three litter bins a day outside their store. The Big Belly only requires the store to get the refuse collected once a week.

The other advantage of the bin is that when it’s full, rubbish can’t overflow onto the street because members of the public have to physically pull back a lid to put in their refuse. According to Mr Croke, the bin can be programmed to send a text message to the waste collecting service signalling when it needs to be emptied.

The Big Belly is one of two environmentally friendly waste bins being sold by Ellicro Environmental.

The other is a recycling bin for drink cans and plastic bottles called the Reverse Vending Machine.

Like the Big Belly, the Reverse Vending Machine can compact the cans and bottles it accumulates. It can also be programmed to shred them.

And for each empty can or bottle you feed into it, you get back an incentive voucher, which could be anything from money off a well-known mineral drink to a discount off shopping at a nearby store.

Mr Croke argues that the best way of encouraging people to deposit their used cans and bottles in a recycling bin is to give them an incentive. Indeed, he has lobbied the Government to introduce such an incentive scheme.

He points out that Ireland currently has a very poor rate of recovering recyclable waste compared to countries on the European continent. An incentive system would be the best way of improving this rate, he believes.

“We are working with a few retail outlets in Ireland and also a few large corporations in relation to incentives. What we are going to push for shopping centres is a loyalty card system,�? he said.

Mr Croke says they also have signed up to a three-year partnership with Barnardos, so that a donation is made to the charity for every can or bottle deposited in one of their Reverse Vending Machines.

Mr Croke reveals that a French plastic bottle recycling company Soreplia Plastics plans to set up a recycling plant in Ireland that will manufacture new plastic bottles once Ellicro has built up a sufficient stock of bottles.

“This recycling plant will have the ability to create 100 new jobs in Ireland. All the plastic collected at our Reverse Vending Machines will be reused to make more plastic bottles.

“Indeed, we are guaranteeing that all plastics and cans deposited at our Reverse Vending machines will be reused to manufacture new cans and bottles,�?

Ellicro Environmental imports both the Big Bellies and Reverse Vending Machines from the United States where they are manufactured by Envipco Product Corporation.

The environmentally friendly bins are used in more than 40 countries all over the world, including 14 European states. There are currently 9000 Reverse Vending Machines in operation around the world.

Senior Envipco and Sorepla figures travelled to Dublin a few weeks ago for the official launch of Ellicro’s environmentally friendly bins.

Green Party leader Trevor Sargeant was the special guest at the function at which the Association of Reverse Vending Machine Suppliers was formed.

Unfortunately, Ellicro’s products have so far been embraced more by the private sector, namely shopping centres, industries and retail outlets than the Department of Environment and local authorities.

Mr Croke says they have been trying to get the Department of Environment to support their recycling products but haven’t received any response to date.

“We are seeking to get a licence to become a voluntary compliance scheme for the recovery of recyclable material.

We want to work alongside Repak,�? Mr Croke explains. “In countries where there is more than one version of Repak in operation the recovery rates for cans and bottles is as high as 95%.�?

The alternative for Ellicro at the moment is to get companies to sponsor the Big Bellies and Reverse Vending Machines in cities, towns, housing estates, industries and schools.

Mr Croke points out that the cost of their bins can be offset by carrying advertising on them and they can be leased as well as purchased.

For further information on Ellicro Environmental Care Ltd’s environmentally friendly waste bins log onto www.ellicro.ie or contact (086) 870 8137. The company is located at the Six Cross Roads Business Park, Waterford.

[Update]: Here is an Environ.ie pdfs (warning: pdf link) about them.

Technorati Tags: waterford ireland , waterford , environmental protection , green politics

13 Responses to “Waterford Council wants your rubbish!”

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1 bedlam Jul 26th, 2006 at 7:42 pm

I saw these on Treehugger some time last year, I think they were being trialed in Canada. They are a great idea, I only wish that they were in wider use. They’d be great solution to the post lunch over flowing bins around Dublin.
2 James Croke Jul 29th, 2006 at 12:18 pm

Costs on local authorities mean costs on the people . Reduced collections mean reduced costs and reduced Emissions .
Tried Tested and proven - Just needs the nod from local authorities and Government . - Still Waiting on their reply …………………….

To be contd ……………..
3 Julie Rodgerson Aug 1st, 2006 at 3:42 pm

Hi,

I did like this idea, however.

In the States they have had problems with these bins.

take a look at the link above.

People in other cities have lost wallets and cellphones in the bins and had to use the number printed on the boxes to call city workers and have them find the lost items.

One thing the receptacles cannot do is make people take the time to throw things away. Yesterday, several passersby tossed cigarettes, matches, and candy wrappers on the ground, rather than deposit them in the trashcan . Others avoided trying out the unfamiliar bin and instead put trash on top of it.

Not everyone was immediately impressed with the city’s thinking in spending on expensive, high-tech trash cans, either.

“The question is: Why?” said Ed Swindelles, a software engineer. “I think it’s a big waste of money.”
I think that the Council should do some further research before purchasing these bins

Best Regards
Julie
4 BARRY STAFFORD Aug 2nd, 2006 at 5:07 pm

Why do we not just improve the current waste service that WE the public and all businesses pay into already

ALTERNATIVELY SAVE TAX PAYERS MONEY AND “CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN” AND BUY DIRECT FROM SEAHORSE http://www.seahorsepower.com/

This invention, called the BigBelly, is the brainchild of James Poss and some of his Babson College business school classmates. http://www.seahorsepower.com/

Poss, whose other inventions include a pair of shoes to strengthen ankle joints,

said he has received dozens of e-mails from friends who work downtown and are admiring his handiwork.
5 James Croke Aug 3rd, 2006 at 4:32 pm

Hello Julie & Barry
Firstly il address Julies reply .
Julie may i ask your background and full experience with regards to your reply ?
The Big belly has proper signage and has had proper promotion on how it is operated , We have signage both in English and Irish , Not knocking the people who - avoided trying out the unfamiliar bin and instead put trash on top of it.- But how hard is it to pull the leaver and deposit ones waste ? these people exist in all countries - here we class them as pure lazy individuals who simply dont care where the throw their waste - Big Belly has had a very good start in Ireland and we hope it will be embraced by the rest of the country as it has been in Waterford .

Now Barry

We have tested the BigBelly here and have found 100% backing from the public for its introduction here , The current bin status and cost control here is extremely high on local authorities and Irelands current Carbon emissions levels are currently 27% over our agreed levels of commitment to the Kyoto agreement - The Introduction of a bin which is powered by sunlight (free) which holds up to 6 times its own volume (reducing collection costs and emissions ) - this is something that will not only benefit financially local authorities but residents who are continually payiny increasing charges for collections - which end up funding street collections .

As for purchasing direct from Sea Horse Power - under trade regulations in the EU - nobody can be prevented from purchasing direct from the manafacturer .

Finally Barry it may be usefull if you would like to let people know of your background here just to clarify a few points raised in your comments .

All comments much appreciated .

James
6 James Croke Aug 9th, 2006 at 2:16 pm

There is one problem with the above article - could the author ammend it please - Title -

(Waterford City Council want your rubbish - Waterford Council are installing solar powered rubbish bins on the streets of Waterford city.)

Waterford city council have not issued any statment regarding them purchasing or placing BigBelly units on the streets of Waterford - The Bin that is placed was purchased by Siopa 24/7 and is the property of 24/7 .

Could the author of this please ammend the above .

Kind Regards

James Croke
7 Politically Correct Aug 26th, 2006 at 1:57 pm

Hi All,

Just a quick remark

IS THIS NOT DANGEROUS FOR THE PUBLIC ?

IF THE BIN COMPACTS AUTOMATICALLY ,UNDER THE CURRENT POLITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES THIS BIN COULD BE USED TO HELP DETONATE SOME TYPE OF INCENDARY DEVICES OR BOMB ?

OR IS THIS A JOKE ?

I HAVE JUST VISITED THE WEBSITE WWW.ELLICRO.IE AND THE WEBSITE IS DOWN ?

PLEASE NOTE MR CROOK , IF YOU DO NOT WANT A VARIETY OF VARIOUS REMARKS , THEN DO NOT POST ITEMS ON BLOGS

THE WHOLE IDEA OF A BLOG IS FOR PEOPLE FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS TO HAVE THEIR SAY” I CAN SEE WHY BOTH OF THE ABOVE PEOPLE HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO YOUR CURT COMMENT

I BELIEVE THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK AT FREEDOM OF SPEECH ITEMS SUCH AS THIS ONE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech

Best Regards
P.C
8 James Croke Aug 29th, 2006 at 2:17 pm

Hello PC

Our website is currently undergoing re-construction , this is to facilitate the Gaelic speaking and reading population of Ireland . I am aware of the freedom of speech act - but i would like to inform you that i am not the person who posted this blog - simply pointing out to the person that did - that their statement on waterford city council is incorrect .
I fully believe and support blogs in fact i have used them many times in my research on various subjects on our own blog - www.boards.ie which i find also very usefull .
\\

With regards to the bomb - i believe SeaHorses continuing development - which i am informed is nearly finished - with regards to a bomb detection unit will be available from 2007 and will make a wireless call to alert authorities if a device is placed in the BigBelly . \\
This im sure you will agree puts BigBelly not just in another field to ordinary bins - but in a different world . \

Its here , It works by sunlight , Its saves local authorities money in turn saving people money , It reduces carbon emissions it soon can make our streets safer - i think anyone arguing the introduction of this product to society is someone who either would like to be the supplier or someone who is developing something similar .
\\

Finally on freedom of speech - I have seen this in New York , I have spoken to people there who say it is working there , and they love it . I have tested it in Ireland and it has proven a success . Should you require details of its test here please feel free to email me at - bigbelly@ellicro.ie .\\

James
9 Waterford city council have not issued any statment regarding them purchasing or placing BigBelly units on the streets of Waterford - The Bin that is placed was purchased by Siopa 24/7 and is the property of 24/7 Aug 30th, 2006 at 8:34 pm

Hi All

This comment (below) is funny, it is obvious Mr Croke is the author of the 1st article and is back pedalling

“James Croke Aug 9th, 2006 at 2:16 pm

There is one problem with the above article - could the author ammend it please - Title -

(Waterford City Council want your rubbish - Waterford Council are installing solar powered rubbish bins on the streets of Waterford city.)

Waterford city council have not issued any statment regarding them purchasing or placing BigBelly units on the streets of Waterford - The Bin that is placed was purchased by Siopa 24/7 and is the property of 24/7 .

Could the author of this please ammend the above .

Kind Regards

James Croke”

PLEASE USE A PR AND MARKETING COMPANY FOR YOUR PRODUCTS ,IT IS SO OBVIOUS THAT YOU ARE THE AUTHOR OF THIS ORIGINAL BLOG ARTICLE, AND DESERVE THE COMMENTS THAT FOLLOWED,
10 GREENER Sep 21st, 2006 at 9:37 pm

IM BIG INTO ANY NEW THINGS THAT ARE GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SO I WENT TO SEE THIS IN WATERFORD , ON THE DAY I WAS THERE IT HAD ATTRACTED A LOT OF ATTENTION BUT FOR THE WRONG REASON . THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH LIQUID LEAKING OUT FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE BIN , IT WAS A TAR LIKE SUBSTANCE AND DID NOT LOOK GOOD , DOES THE COMPANY “ELLICRO” WHO SUPPLY THIS HAVE A SOLUTION TO THIS - IT SEEMS A WINNER BUT NASTY LOOKING LEACKAGE ONTO THE FOOTPATH .

HAS THIS HAPPENED IN OTHER AREAS WHERE IT HAS BEEN PLACED ?

WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE INFO PLEASE BLOG IT HERE .
11 GREENER Sep 25th, 2006 at 6:25 pm

Hi , I left a message here and it looks like it has been removed ?

So much for th freedom of speech - it seems my free speech has been censored and removed from this blog .

Does industry now control blogs ?

guess so -

I only asked a simple question regarding this product leaking at the bottom ?

Is Mr Croke removing my comments ?
12 James Croke Oct 3rd, 2006 at 12:59 am

To Whom it may concern ELLICRO no longer supply this unit .

It is now available from a uk company details direct from supplier .

James Croke .
13 Gabe Kaszai Mar 21st, 2007 at 11:27 pm

Could you please send me more info on “the big belly bin”
Brisbane City Council is interested in trialing.
where can be purchased?
any local suppliers?
reliability?
cost per bin?
establishment costs?
maintenance costs?
Thanks
Gabe Kaszai
Area Co-Ordinator
Local Asset Services Central
Brisbane City Council