Solar bin in anti-rubbish drive

The bin reduces the number of trips to empty them

Devon resort Torbay is testing a solar-powered rubbish bin.

The bin stores energy from the sun to compact rubbish inside, which means it can hold up to five times the normal amount of waste.

The bin, dubbed Big Belly by its US producers, also reduces the number of trips needed by vehicles to empty them, cutting emissions and saving costs.

If the bin is a success in the resort, marketed as the "English Riviera", it could pave the way for more.

Cabinet member Jeanette Richards said: "We must be able to think outside the box and be willing to try new ideas.

"The council has already planned a major clean up drive in Torbay this summer targeting street cleaning, graffiti, public toilets and litter.

"We hope that this latest trial will compliment the work whilst also helping the environment."