Merton Council is piloting new hi-tech solar bins in its most popular parks this summer.

As the hot weather continues and more people are out enjoying Merton’s wonderful parks and green spaces, new solar bins will be hard at work, using innovative technology to deal with any rubbish in a modern, efficient way.

Councillor Mark Betteridge with one of the new solar bins

The special bins use solar power to operate internal compactors which squash down the rubbish inside, massively increasing the capacity of each bin. This same power is also used to send a signal to the parks team and let them know when they are full.

Merton Council cabinet member for performance and implementation Councillor Mark Betteridge said: “These new bins are great and a fantastic example of Merton’s business-like approach to running our services. Not only will they assist in keeping our parks clean, they should also help us be more efficient, delivering better value for our residents. We want to see local people and their families out and about in our parks this summer. There’s so much to enjoy from paddling pools to great play areas, walks and picnics – there’s something for everyone.”

More information on Merton’s parks: http://www.merton.gov.uk/parks

Be part of the conversation on Twitter #lovemertonparks and tweet your best shots of Merton’s parks.

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