Energize Detroit

DTE Energy to Install Detroit's First Solar Energy Trash Compactors

DTE Energy installed seven Bigbelly units, the city of Detroit's first smart, solar-powered trash compactor and recycling units. The pilot program supports the company's Energize Detroit neighborhood revitalization initiative. Waste Management of Michigan installed the units and will maintain them for DTE Energy. The solar panel on the unit extracts energy from the sun to continuously charge the battery powering the system. When the unit needs to be emptied the smart system sends a signal to Waste Management of Michigan.