Paterson will spend $4,400 — each — for solar-powered trash cans

Joe Malinconico
·2 min read
5

PATERSON — City officials are spending $700,000 in state money to buy solar-powered trash receptacles that cost $4,400 apiece for high-capacity models and $2,500 for smaller ones.

Why do garbage cans need to come with solar power?

It’s because these receptacles come with garbage compactors and sensors that send alerts when they are almost full and ready to be emptied.

Drone image of Paterson City Hall on March 26, 2020. Residents in New Jersey have been asked to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Drone image of Paterson City Hall on March 26, 2020. Residents in New Jersey have been asked to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

The City Council on Tuesday night approved the purchase of 200 solar-powered receptacles, which would be installed in Paterson’s shopping districts. The city is paying for the devices with part of its $10 million allocation of Urban Enterprise Zone funds from the state.

Supporters said Paterson needs to find innovative ways to combat its chronic problem with street litter. Not everyone backed the plan.

For subscribers:Why did the Passaic prosecutor decline to investigate Paterson's 'robbery squad?'

“I would rather see us buy more regular trash cans,” said Councilman Md Forid Uddin, who voted against the purchase.

Councilwoman Lilisa Mimms, who also opposed the initiative, said she didn’t think it was “feasible” for the city to spend $700,000 on the receptacles. “This is not going to solve the problem,” Mimms said.

But Councilman Luis Velez called the solar-paneled receptacles “a new toy” that would encourage people to put the trash in them instead of tossing it on the curb. He said the new devices represent “a commitment to change the culture of conduct” in the city.

Councilman Alex Mendez said he would give the administration “the benefit of the doubt” in voting for the contract.

“We really need to see our city clean,” Mendez said.

The receptacles are manufactured by a Massachusetts company called Big Belly Smart Solutions for Cities. The firm said in its presentation to Paterson officials that its receptacles are used in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Philadelphia.

The $4,400 containers hold 150 gallons of waste, and the $2,500 models have a 50-gallon capacity. Big Belly said Paterson could get discounts depending on the numbers of different models it buys.

The council approved four other plans for the UEZ money — $500,000 to hire companies to clean commercial areas, $300,000 for a marketing study, $200,000 for a strategic plan and $265,000 for city employees’ salaries.

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press.

Email: editor@patersonpress.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ buying solar trash cans