Henderson to get more solar-powered trash cans

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 | 6:04 p.m.

As part of its growing sustainability efforts, Henderson is expanding its collection of solar-powered trash compactors to six after receiving a $15,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation.

The trash cans save the city money by requiring fewer collections, thus saving fuel and reducing carbon emissions, Henderson Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Kim Becker said.

"They're 100 percent solar-powered," she said. "They have five times the capacity of a traditional trash receptacle."

Consequently, she said, they reduce the number of necessary trash pickups by 80 percent.

Another benefit lies in their self-contained construction, meaning animals cannot get into them.

Because of their benefits, Becker said, the trash cans are growing in popularity throughout the country.

The three existing compactors in Henderson are located along the Pittman Wash Trail, and Becker said, the additional compactors will be placed in other high-traffic areas within the next month.

While she does not expect the entire fleet of city trash cans to be converted because of the cost, Becker said she does expect more privately funded eco-friendly ventures in the future.

"We're looking at green initiatives — really incorporating conservation and stability into everything we do," she said. "The city is putting forth a sustainability action plan within the next month or so."

Elements of the plan include energy conservation, using compressed natural gas vehicles as well as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings.

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or dave.clark@hbcpub.com.