Milton Keynes Leads the Way with Smart Bin Efficiency

Posted by Greg Cutts

09/07/2025

84 smart bins, 94% efficiency and a lot of clean streets!
Back in 2021, Milton Keynes took a bold step forward in the way it manages public waste. With the installation of 19 solar-powered smart bins, the city launched what would become one of the most efficient smart bin networks in the UK.

Fast forward to today, and Milton Keynes now boasts 84 Bigbelly bins and an impressive 94% efficiency rate, the best in the UK. It’s a clear sign of what’s possible when technology, sustainability, and local pride come together.

What makes these bins so smart?

  • Solar-powered: They use clean, renewable energy.
  • Self-compacting: They hold up to 8x more waste than a traditional bin.
  • Connected: When full, they send alerts so crews can empty them exactly when needed, no more overflowing bins or unnecessary trips.

Better for the environment, better for residents, and better for council budgets.

More bins, more access
You’ll now find Milton Keynes’ smart bins across the city from Central MK to Newport Pagnell, and from Stony Stratford to Wolverton. With more bins being installed in estates and high streets, access to smart waste solutions is only getting better.

And while the tech is impressive, it’s really about what it enables: a cleaner, more sustainable city for everyone.

Why smart bins matter
Smart bins are a powerful part of the modern city toolkit. Here’s why:

Better Recycling
Dual-stream bins help keep recycling and general waste separate, improving the quality of what gets reused and reducing what ends up in landfill.

Lower Carbon Footprint
Fewer collection trips = fewer vehicles on the road = fewer emissions.

Smarter City Services
By using real-time data, councils can make faster, better decisions whether it’s adjusting routes or planning future infrastructure.

Public Pride
Clean, well-kept streets send a message: this place is cared for. That encourages everyone to treat it with respect.

Setting the standard for the UK
Milton Keynes has always had a reputation for innovation, and this is one more example of the city setting the standard.

Want to learn more about how smart bins are helping cities like Milton Keynes? Let’s chat, we’re always happy to connect forward-thinking councils with real success stories.

 

“Milton Keynes has been a standout partner from day one. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability has helped build one of the most efficient smart bin networks in the country. Seeing 94% efficiency across 84 stations is no small feat—it’s a testament to what happens when great technology meets a council that genuinely cares about public space.”

Greg Cutts

Territory Manager, Future Street UK

Ready for Less Litter, More Efficiency?

Find out how Future Street’s smart bins reduce litter, streamline collections, and improve public spaces. It’s easier than you think—start the conversation today.

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