New smart bins at The Sloop in Poole are anything but rubbish

Smart technology has come to rubbish with eight state-of-the-art underground bins installed at new landmark development, The Sloop, in Poole.

Developer AJC Group worked with BCP Council on one of the first major domestic schemes of subterranean smart bins.

Commonplace across many European cities, the innovative bins can each hold up to 5,000 litres of waste in steel containers, all concealed below street level.

The high-tech underground refuse system reduces ‘bin blight’, where multiple four-wheeled bins are normally on display.

Other advantages include the elimination of odour, flies and excessive or overflowing litter.

The Sloop features four general waste and four recycling bins.

The first residents have been given access cards to operate the bins, adding another layer of security and to prevent fly-tipping from non-residents.

Smart technology within each bin enables BCP Council to monitor fill levels, improving efficiencies and unnecessary travel.

When full to capacity, the bins are then emptied with a specialist service truck with crane lift.

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “This is a first for AJC Group and we are thrilled with the result.

“The bins look smart, contain innovative smart technology and create a cleaner and tidier waste solution for everyone.”

Laura Neil, commercial waste manager for BCP Council, added: “BCP Council has successfully utilised underground bin technology for commercial customers since 2017, but this is one of the first major domestic schemes in operation in our area.

“Whilst we all need to try to reduce what we waste, these bins promote sustainability by reducing the environmental footprint as the bins are only emptied when full, helping reduce vehicle emissions.

“They also eliminate any manual handling required by our staff.”

The Sloop is the largest project to date for AJC Group, which is based in nearby offices on Sandbanks Road in Poole.

Due for full completion this summer, the scheme is a redevelopment of a former pub in a prominent site on Commercial Road to deliver 86 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments for open market sale and rent.

Prices start from £180,000 for a studio to £500,000 for a three-bedroom apartment with private roof terrace.