New Additions to Rosslyn: Solar Compactors & Bike Racks
Release Date: Thursday, July 1st 2010
Big Bellies use renewable energy to save money and turn BID into cleaner, eco-friendly zoneRosslyn, VA – The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) installed 30 Big Belly® solar trash compactors on Rosslyn sidewalks in late June. The newest technology in solid waste management, Big Belly is an important tool in Rosslyn’s drive to creating a more eco-friendly urban district.
“The Big Bellies are a big win for Rosslyn and Arlington. One year ago, the Rosslyn BID was in the forefront when we added the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor’s first permanent recycling bins to county sidewalks. This takes that commitment one step further, helping reduce trash pickups, which save energy and money,” says Cecilia Cassidy, Executive Director of the Rosslyn BID. The typical American creates approximately 30 pounds of waste per week. Much of this waste ends up on the streets, and regular trash cans in high-use neighborhoods typically must be emptied daily. The cost savings are a great incentive. Arlington County announced that starting July 1 budget constraints required a reduction in trash collection along the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor. Big Bellies directly address the County’s new collection restraints. Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette says the Rosslyn BID’s purchase of the solar compactors aligns with Arlington’s 2010 focus on fiscal and environmental sustainability. “The County applauds the Rosslyn BID for proving that it is possible to leverage technology to achieve cost savings and improve services,” says Fisette. The City of Philadelphia recently installed 500 Big Bellies, and estimates they will save $13 million over 10 years. |
Rosslyn BID Installs Bike Racks Inspired by New Arlington Cultural CenterRosslyn, VA - The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) has commissioned ten new bike racks that are now installed in Rosslyn’s urban core. The 39-inch long bike racks, built of stainless steel and powder-coated steel rods, are durable enough to support gas-powered scooters as well as traditional bicycles.
The Rosslyn BID asked architectural firm Studio27, which designed the signage and logo for Artisphere, Arlington’s new cultural center, to develop bike rack concepts to complement the center, set to open 10.10.10. Shaffer & Sons, an iron works company, created a custom fabrication to bring the concepts to reality. They also installed the bike racks. The hand-sculpted bike racks, composed of three individual rods of varying sizes intertwined in a bowed shape, were inspired by the curved lines of Artisphere’s signage. “The Rosslyn BID has recognized an increase in the use of bicycle and motorized scooters in the urban district. As people look for more legal places to securely park their vehicles, the Rosslyn BID wanted to help support their energy-conserving mode of transportation, and at the same time help promote Rosslyn’s future cultural center,” says Cecilia Cassidy, Executive Director of the Rosslyn BID. The Stuart Miller Companies, Penzance, the Wade Companies, and Glenborough are the Rosslyn property owners that have agreed to install the first bike racks on their properties. FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
With five times the capacity of an ordinary can, Big Belly receptacles eliminate about 4 out of every 5 collection trips, for an 80% savings in fuel and other resources. A built-in solar panel at the top of each Big Belly drives a powerful trash compactor. Each unit, completely self-powered, can convert up to 180 gallons of waste, even when placed in the shade. When the unit reaches capacity, sensors trigger an internal compactor that flattens the contents, converting 180 gallons of waste into easy-to-collect bags. The Big Belly design also keeps rodents and birds out of the trash. The compactor reduces air-born particulates, greenhouse gases, and reliance on oil. The Rosslyn BID purchased the trash compactors and 12 companion recycling units from Big Belly Solar, based in Needham, MA.
The Rosslyn BID has worked with Arlington County and four property owners to place the first five bike racks in Rosslyn’s most traveled areas. The locations include the 1500, 1525 and 1555 blocks of Wilson Boulevard and the 1800 block of N. Kent Street. Five other bike rack locations are under review and more are being considered.