Solar-powered 'Smart' bins that sense when the receptacle is full have arrived at nine locations in Richmond, the borough council have confirmed.

Richmond Council said the state-of-the-art bins would help waste collection services prevent overflowing of bins going forward.

There has been a reported uptick in littering and overflowing since lockdown measures designed to slow the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus were lifted.

In response, Richmond Council announced this week (June 9) the arrival of smart sun-powered bins at nine locations across the borough.

"Bins at nine locations across Richmond upon Thames have been replaced with solar powered bins, fitted with a sensor that alerts the Council’s waste team, in real time, when the bins are full," a spokesperson said.

"This means collection teams can focus on those that need emptying.

"The new bins make use of the ‘Internet of Things’ technology, increasingly used to connect everyday objects to the internet and help cities to provide better and more efficient public services.

The bins have been installed on the Council's behalf by PEL UK, who supply councils with waste reduction equipment..." They added.

The bins are now in place at the following locations:

  • Cambridge Gardens Towpath, Twickenham (1 x litter bin)
  • On corner by slipway / Richmond Bridge (1 x litter bin)
  • On towpath outside Cambridge Gardens park (1 x litter bin)
  • Cambridge Park footpath / towpath, Twickenham (1 x litter bin)
  • Cholmondeley Walk / towpath, Richmond (2 x litter bins)
  • Ducks Walk / Park House Gardens, Twickenham (1 x litter bin)
  • Outside Teddington School, Broom Road, Teddington (2 x litter bins)

Richmond said their installation amounted to a 12-month pilot scheme that could be extent across the borough if it proves successful.

"We are continually looking at ways to improve our services; this initiative is very welcome and I hope it will help us to keep Richmond clean and tidy," Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said.

"Our teams will be able to make better informed choices and empty these smart bins based on fill level, traffic conditions and other relevant criteria.

"However, whilst we are doing our bit, we need everyone else to do theirs. There is no justification for leaving waste and recycling behind.

"If a public bin is already overflowing, do the right thing, take your items away with you and dispose of them properly in your household waste and recycling or on-street local recycling sites," she added.