We are absolutely thrilled to announce our latest partnership with Sheffield City Council and Amey. This month, we are rolling out 35 new Bigbelly smart stations across the city, with a major focus on upgrading the city centre.

As local authorities look to hit ambitious environmental targets, upgrading streetscape infrastructure is a crucial step. This deployment is designed to boost street cleanliness whilst significantly cutting carbon emissions by taking heavy diesel collection vehicles off the road.

The Technology Inside What makes these 35 stations different from a standard litter bin? It comes down to smart, off-grid solar technology:

• Intelligent Compaction: Inside each unit sits a highly accurate photo-eye sensor. As waste builds up, this sensor detects the fill level and triggers a built-in compactor, crushing the rubbish down and allowing the station to hold up to five times more than a traditional bin.

• Real-Time Data & LED Indicators: The bins communicate directly with the waste teams, sending alerts only when they genuinely need emptying. On the street itself, built-in LED lights provide a clear visual cue when the unit is full.

• Fully Enclosed Design: By keeping waste completely sealed, the bins prevent wind-blown litter and contain odours, cutting off access for pests like rats, birds, and insects entirely.

By compacting waste on demand and operating strictly on real-time data, this technology reduces unnecessary collection journeys by more than 80%. This not only cuts down on noise and traffic but frees up Amey’s crews to focus on responsive, high-priority street cleansing across Sheffield.

It is fantastic to see Sheffield taking such a proactive approach to creating cleaner, greener, and smarter public spaces for everyone.