The big trash cans on the Quad have solar panels on top of them, and no, they’re not powering the Quad lights.

The solar panels allow the units (called “Bigbelly” bins — more on that later) to offer more amenities than your run-of-the-mill, “I’m just here to hold trash” can could even dream of.

The electricity generated by the panels powers an internal compactor, squishing your Gilbert’s bags and Mojo smoothie cups into dense bags of garbage. The panels also support sensors to notify facilities when the can is nearing capacity.

The feature allows the college’s grounds crew to “focus on other priorities,” reducing the number of trash pickups conducted by the groundskeepers, according to Director of Facilities Operations Scott Kennedy.

The units are also more efficient, ideal for a campus trying to meet lofty sustainability goals.

“Waste, recycling and compost infrastructure across campus is vital to achieving our waste reduction goals,” Sustainability Outreach and Engagement Manager Samantha Comas said.

Bigbelly, a waste management company, has placed units in more than 65 countries, according to Bigbelly representative Stu Badertscher ‘20. Even Lehigh University uses them, which makes sense, given how much trash is on that campus.

And why the name? According to Badertscher, the company started out as the Seahorse Power Company, but its first invention — a solar-powered trash compactor — shifted the focus. “Bigbelly” is a nod to the big-belly seahorse, a species with a round middle and a surprising capacity for storage.

Still wondering why the units in front of Pardee Hall have a giant picture of Pardee Hall on them? Me too.

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