Trial starts of new public bins that crush litter

TWO solar-powered bins are being trialed in Henley.

The compactor bins, which crush litter to make more space inside, have been installed in Singers Park and outside the “top shops” in Greys Road.

The trial was paid for by the Henley Society, a conservation group, chaired by Geoff Luckett, and organised by Henley Town Council.

Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak said: “We always know at Easter and in summer we have a litter problem in Henley and Geoff approached us to see if we can get more capacity.

“When the bins are about 80 per cent full, they automatically compact the rubbish. They take in 10 times the volume of a normal bin. When it gets to about 80 per cent, the bins send a message to the town hall to say they are almost full.”

Mr Luckett said: “We have an interest in keeping Henley clean and tidy and this type of bin seemed to be a good idea. I thought they might be too big but I was pleasantly surprised.”

Councillor Kellie Hinton, who chairs the council’s recreation and amenities committee, said its parks services team would adapt its routine to ensure the bins are emptied and give them a “real chance for success”.

The trial will run until September when the council will decide whether to buy the bins.