Town rolls out solar-powered trash barrels

Arlington installed solar powered trash compactors provided by the state at five different locations last week.

The BigBelly solar trash compactors can hold five times more trash than traditional garbage cans and the increased capacity reduces collection and fuel costs.

Arlington received the compactors from BigBelly Solar as part of a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, which in May named Arlington one of 35 Green Communities in the state.

Town Manager Brian Sullivan said in a press release Monday that the trash compactors will save the town money by creating labor and maintenance efficiencies.

“It’s another step toward energy efficiency and a welcome benefit of the Green Communities designation,” Sullivan said.

Three of the trash compactors have been located along Massachusetts Avenue, one has been located at the Jason Street entrance to Menotomy Rocks Park and the fifth has been placed at Robbins Farm Park on Eastern Avenue.