DETROIT – Detroit has seven new solar-powered trash and recycling cans.
DTE Energy installed the units as part of a pilot program for the company's Energize Detroit neighborhood revitalization initiative.
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Waste Management of Michigan Inc. installed the units and will maintain them for DTE Energy.
The units are installed near the Third Street bus stop across from the MGM Grand Detroit; the Navitas House office building at Bagley Avenue and Third Street; and in DTE's food truck area near its entrance, along with four units inside the headquarters complex itself.
Meador said DTE Energy and Waste Management will evaluate the pilot program and may consider future expansion.
How they work
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 smart system sends a signal to Waste Management of Michigan. The system dramatically reduces trash collections and vehicle carbon emissions.