New 'Big Belly' Trash Containers Now In Waltham

In an effort to beautify Waltham, the city has installed 11 new large solar-powered trash compactors in the downtown area of Waltham, according to Consolidated Public Works Director Michael Chiasson. 

Called "Big Belly" trash compactors, six have been installed on Moody Street along with two on Main Street near the Dunkin Donuts and Hannaford's supermarket Chiasson said. The remaining two were placed on Carter Street and in front of City Hall, Chiasson said. 

The existing black metal trash cans will be moved to other locations, according to Chiasson. 

The units are designed to hold both trash and recyclables, Chiasson said. One side of the units are for trash while the other is devoted to recyclable items. When the sun emerges, the compactors crush the trash inside which allows additional capacity. 

The city has not yet figured out whether Capitol (the city's trash hauling company) will service the compactors, Chiasson said. However, CPW crews will be able to tell whether they need to be emptied through a monitoring system in their office, Chiasson. That capability, however, will expire in a year, unless the city buys a longer software license. 

A Community Development Block Grant paid for the units and the city has applied for additional funding for more compactors, Chiasson said.