Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is installing more than 120 new solar-powered litter bins across the borough.

Capable of holding at least five times more than traditional litter bins, these Big Belly Bins will need emptying less often – helping the Council to improve its environmental and financial sustainability.

Using solar power, the smart bins compact the waste inside and send an alert to the borough’s Cleansing team so they can be emptied only when needed and before they become full. With fewer journeys being necessary, the Council will reduce its fuel costs and pollution and free up time for the Cleansing team to focus on other work, such as clearing up fly tips and graffiti.

Cllr Hannah Avery, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We’re taking litter seriously and our new solar-powered bins, including eight recycling bins, will make it easier for people to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and help keep Reigate & Banstead litter free and looking good.

“Not only will these smart, solar-powered bins help us to reduce our carbon footprint, but they’ll look smart too: some will have eye-catching designs to celebrate the borough and some will be particularly hungry creatures that may even thank you in person for feeding them. There really will be no excuse for dropping litter in the borough.”

Over the next two weeks, new bins will be popping up in areas of high footfall, such as town centres, and older bins will be removed to avoid street clutter. Some of the new bins will be colourful designs showcasing local attractions and others will be more classic in style.

Nine of the new bins will be able to talk back, so listen out for the big-bellied monsters outside schools, the sea creatures in Lady Neville Park playground, and the new penguin in Woodhatch Park. The Council is working with local schools near the new talking bins to record messages so you may even recognise them.

Recycling bins in the busiest town centre locations will allow people to dispose of plastic, cans and bottles in a more environmentally sustainable way. The recycled waste can be transformed into materials for new products and will reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.

The new bins, provided and installed by Future Street, have been funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which is a charge on new development to help fund the infrastructure needed to support new homes and businesses.