Future Street partners with Coventry City Council to brighten streets, boost efficiency, and reduce litter

At Future Street, we believe smart waste solutions can do more than reduce litter; they can reshape how people engage with public spaces. That belief came to life recently through our exciting partnership with Coventry City Council, where over a dozen smart Bigbelly bins, decked out in colourful monster designs, have been rolled out across the city.

This vibrant project was led by Daniel, Streetpride Area 1 Manager at Coventry City Council Environmental Services, as part of a broader push to improve litter management and make the city centre more engaging, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Why Bigbelly?

The team at Coventry was looking for a bin solution that didn’t just look good, but worked smarter. After considering options, the Bigbelly system stood out for its solar-powered compacting, real-time fill level alerts, and enclosed design that helps reduce windblown litter. The team also wanted a responsive, engaged team on the ground to get the best outcome. Of the partnership, Daniel said:

“Greg from the Future Street UK team was helpful, always willing to offer honest advice and guidance to help achieve our outcomes.”

Designed to Stand Out

The bins installed in Coventry aren’t just functional, they’re fun. The eye-catching monster designs help them stand out in busy areas, attracting attention and encouraging use. It’s a small shift that makes a big impact.

“They look good – the monster designs are fantastic. The closed design helps retain the litter, preventing it from blowing around or ending up on the floor. The built-in ashtrays also help keep cigarette butts off the streets.”

Cleaner Streets, Smarter Operations

Since the rollout, the team has already noticed the difference. With larger capacity and real-time alerts, the bins reduce the risk of overflow and cut down on unnecessary collections.

“Due to the additional capacity, we’ve managed to reduce visits in specific areas by 50%. We’ve also merged two cleansing routes and redirected our efforts elsewhere. It’s been a big efficiency win.”

Public Response and Future Plans

While formal feedback is still in progress, the response has been positive, and the impact is clear.

“They’re a good addition to our city centre and show we’re always looking at ways to improve how we deal with waste.”

With this success, Coventry is already exploring further expansion of the Bigbelly system.

“We’re in discussions to see if we can gain further efficiencies around the city. It’s about finding the right locations where the bins can really reduce our time spent emptying them.”

Helping Cities Work Smarter

It’s been fantastic working with Coventry City Council on this smart, community-friendly project. By combining playful design with proven technology, this rollout is a great example of how public space innovation can benefit councils, residents, and the environment.