Solar-powered smart bins are to be introduced in Johnstone town centre as part of an extended council trial.
Renfrewshire Council has been testing 13 smart compactor bins in Paisley town centre since September 2025.
A report considered by the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board on Wednesday 26th August said the initial findings had been encouraging.
The bins use solar power to compact rubbish and monitor how full they are.
The council said the technology had helped it adjust collection schedules, avoid unnecessary visits and reduce the risk of bins becoming full during busy periods.
The 13 bins will remain in Paisley while the pilot is extended to Johnstone.
Information gathered from both towns will help decide the future locations, sizes and collection schedules of bins across Renfrewshire.
Councillor Stephen Burns raised concerns about whether the bins could be used by people with disabilities. He gave the example of an amputee who uses a wheelchair and cannot operate a foot pedal.
The board was told that the bins were believed to have both a pedal and a handle. Officers agreed to check and take accessibility into account before the trial progresses.
No date was given for the Johnstone bins to be installed.
And what will they do exactly?
June Kerr the bins squeeze down the rubbish and and compact it. When they get close to capacity the bin will let the council know it needs emptying. It means that in theory you shouldn’t see any bins overflowing.
Ricky Kelly Sounds impressive…..let’s see how this pans out
Omg that sounds good as could be doing with that round my area as ppl don’t know how to dispose of waste and I’m sick fed up with moaning to the council
Another gigantic waste of money come on the guy that decided that was a good idea needs sacked right now smart bins WHY ?
If they’re dependent on solar power then they’ll work for a few weeks a year. Is this the council getting us to the work of the bin men? What could possibly go wrong with unmanned compactors!
Yes. In Paisley they are covered in spray paint graffiti which they don’t seem able to catch them on CCTV and they look awful.
Lol I they will last five minutes . Honestly how thick are the council and how much is it costing the taxpayer
Had to check the date there to make sure it wasn’t 1st April
What about the food bin that won’t get full but still ends up in maggots or attracting rats because they don’t get emptied enough
Kerrie Williamson isn’t this for the public bins?
XLeeannex Telford XMurphyx didn’t read that part. Thought it was all bins but that would maybe make more sense x
Kerrie Williamson why can’t they use the the old small they had
Everybody knows who is to blame for the litter and it aint the council
#lazycunts
How’s about giving money into places for ASN kids services are an absolute disgrace!!! Instead of spending money on this pish
Donna Preston exactly donna xxxx
I would love to see it with one bin before I leave this planet.!
Meanwhile schools are falling into complete dilapidation and are completely underfunded but sure…solar bins.