Big Belly bins in Bankside

We’ve introduced the latest addition to Bankside’s streets, smart, solar-powered Big Belly bins. As part of our ongoing commitment to improving public spaces and keeping the neighbourhood clean, Better Bankside has installed these innovative bins in some of our busiest locations, including near Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Golden Hinde, and outside Omnicom.

Big Belly bins are a proven solution for managing waste in high-footfall areas. Powered by solar panels, each bin uses energy to compact the waste inside, increasing capacity by up to five times compared to a standard litter bin. This means fewer collections are needed, which not only helps reduce emissions from waste vehicle trips but also makes our waste collection more efficient.

The bins are equipped with smart technology that sends real-time alerts when they’re full, ensuring prompt servicing and reducing the risk of overflowing litter. Each unit also includes a separate cigarette butt disposal feature — a small but vital addition in helping us prevent harmful waste like cigarette ends from entering our soil and waterways.

By introducing Big Belly bins, we’re not only tackling litter more effectively but also supporting a greener and more sustainable Bankside. These bins are already being used successfully in cities around the world, including New York, Dublin and Stockholm, and we’re proud to bring this technology to our area.

We encourage everyone working, visiting or passing through Bankside to use the new bins and help us keep our public spaces clean, safe and welcoming for all.