BIG Belly solar-powered bins have been installed in Boscombe this week as part of the ongoing regeneration project.

Ten solar waste-compactors were introduced in Boscombe Precinct on Monday with the capacity to store up to eight times more waste than the average street bin.

The Big Belly solar-powered bins are also fitted with special technology which sends a text to the council to say when it is full and ready to be emptied.

Councillor Jane Kelly, cabinet member for partnerships and regeneration, said: “The new solar powered bins will enhance the look of the area and hold more waste, meaning fewer refuse collections are required.

“We are working hard to make improvements to Boscombe Precinct to help smarten up the area and make it a place that residents, businesses and visitors can be proud of.”

The bins will be leased on a week-by-week basis at a cost of £21 per unit per week and it is hoped the technology will reduce collection costs by 70 per cent.

Street warden David Hamilton said: “We’ve been working with the community to try and make Boscombe’s streets look much cleaner.”

The introduction of the new bins is part of work to improve and revitalise the area, including the removal of the old fountain outside the Sovereign Centre.

Boscombe councillor, Chris Wakefield said: “The beauty is that these bins can’t overflow and it removes the general clutter in the street.

“There is a really different feel in the area, as it just looks a nicer place to walk around.

“We are carrying out improvement throughout Boscombe, including taking out the fountain at the Sovereign Centre next week.”