Case Study – Big Belly Bins

Big Belly Bins – Smart City Case Study

Dublin City Council is creating cleaner streets, reduced emissions, and smarter city services regarding waste management. At the heart of this transformation is the deployment of Big Belly Bins in the Dublin Docklands, a pilot project that’s proving how technology can reshape everyday infrastructure.

With over 3,500 waste collection bins across Dublin, waste collection has traditionally been a resource-heavy operation. But by installing 107 smart bins in the Dublin Docklands, DCC has been able to collect over 19,000 data points, offering new insights into waste patterns, bin usage, and operational efficiency.

These solar-powered compacting bins communicate live data to the DCC waste management teams. Using a cloud-based platform, waste teams can monitor fill levels, optimise collection routes, and reduce unnecessary trips. Engaging with data in this way has led to an estimated 85% reduction in collection frequency, saving fuel, time, and over €14,000 in bin liner costs over four years.

Beyond waste collection, these bins are multi-functional. They host sensors for foot traffic and air quality, provide public WiFi, and even support telecom infrastructure like 4G LTE and 5G. Their sleek design hides technology in plain sight, helping Dublin address urban densification without cluttering public spaces.

The Big Belly Bins also provide environmental benefits. Fewer trucks on the road for waste collections means reduced carbon emissions from vehicles, and the compacting feature in the bins reduces single-use plastic bin bags. The closed design also keeps seagulls away from waste, improving hygiene and visual litter on the streets. 

The Docklands pilot shows that targeted smart bin placement in high footfall areas, combined with standard bins equipped with sensors elsewhere, could be the optimal solution for Dublin’s future.

To learn more about smart technology case studies in Dublin, contact us at info@smartdocklands.ie!