Smart trash can from BigBelly knows when to say 'uncle'

No more, please.

Although smart trash receptacles from BigBelly Solar can handle five times the trash as the average street garbage can, compressing deposited waste through solar power, there's a point at which enough is enough. That's when a new wireless software monitoring system from Symphony Services called CLEAN (Collection Logistics Efficiency and Notification) kicks in to let city or county waste management personnel know that a particular receptacle is full. The advantage is that the software cuts down on wasted service calls, while ensuring that a particular container doesn't become too full.

Here's a BigBelly trash receptacle in action in Portland, Oregon.

The software developed by Symphony works through SMS messaging technology, sending alerts when specific BigBelly compactors need to be emptied or serviced. The software even integrates with Google Maps, so that service personnel can pinpoint their location.

BigBelly is a completely cordless system that uses solar energy (no plugs) to smush up or squish trash as it is added. The company estimates that it can handle up to 5 times the trash of a regular city garbage can. The technology can be found in major metropolitan areas, including Boston and Portland.