Detroit-based DTE Energy has announced it will install solar-powered trash compactor and recycling units in its downtown Detroit neighborhood in an effort to help make the city cleaner and greener.
The Bigbelly, Needham, Massachusetts, units, the first solar-powered compactors offered in the city of Detroit, are expected to arrive this summer.
DTE says it will install seven of the units, which collect and compact waste as well as aluminum and plastic containers for recycling on-site. The pilot program supports the company’s Energize Detroit neighborhood revitalization initiative while helping to protect the environment, DTE Energy says. Waste Management (WM) of Michigan Inc. will install and maintain the units for DTE Energy.
DTE says the compactors eliminate waste overflow, helping to beautify the neighborhood and to keep pests away. The solar panel on the unit extracts energy from the sun to continuously charge the battery powering the system. When the unit needs to be emptied, the system sends a signal via its CLEAN management software to WM of Michigan. The system reduces waste collection and vehicle carbon emissions, according to the company.
“At DTE, we continuously explore environmentally sound ideas to help sustain our neighborhoods,” says David Meador, vice chairman and chief administrative officer for DTE Energy.
He continues, “We believe the Bigbelly project will be good for our customers, our employees and the Detroit neighborhood where we are based and the larger Detroit community we serve. We hope other companies will consider these cost-effective units to achieve critical mass toward creating a cleaner, greener community.”
DTE Energy will set up the units at the Third Street bus stop area across from the MGM Grand Detroit, the Navitas House office building at Bagley Avenue and Third Street, and in the company’s food truck area near its entrance. The company also will install four units inside its headquarters complex. The systems will use backup electricity when necessary.
Meador says DTE Energy and WM of Michigan will evaluate the efficiencies of the pilot program and may consider its future expansion.
The Bigbelly, Needham, Massachusetts, units, the first solar-powered compactors offered in the city of Detroit, are expected to arrive this summer.
DTE says it will install seven of the units, which collect and compact waste as well as aluminum and plastic containers for recycling on-site. The pilot program supports the company’s Energize Detroit neighborhood revitalization initiative while helping to protect the environment, DTE Energy says. Waste Management (WM) of Michigan Inc. will install and maintain the units for DTE Energy.
DTE says the compactors eliminate waste overflow, helping to beautify the neighborhood and to keep pests away. The solar panel on the unit extracts energy from the sun to continuously charge the battery powering the system. When the unit needs to be emptied, the system sends a signal via its CLEAN management software to WM of Michigan. The system reduces waste collection and vehicle carbon emissions, according to the company.
“At DTE, we continuously explore environmentally sound ideas to help sustain our neighborhoods,” says David Meador, vice chairman and chief administrative officer for DTE Energy.
He continues, “We believe the Bigbelly project will be good for our customers, our employees and the Detroit neighborhood where we are based and the larger Detroit community we serve. We hope other companies will consider these cost-effective units to achieve critical mass toward creating a cleaner, greener community.”
DTE Energy will set up the units at the Third Street bus stop area across from the MGM Grand Detroit, the Navitas House office building at Bagley Avenue and Third Street, and in the company’s food truck area near its entrance. The company also will install four units inside its headquarters complex. The systems will use backup electricity when necessary.
Meador says DTE Energy and WM of Michigan will evaluate the efficiencies of the pilot program and may consider its future expansion.