Bath's solar-powered bins sense when they are full

(Somerset, U.K) Solar-powered compactor bins which flash when they need to be emptied are being installed in Bath.

Twenty-five of the new bins have been bought to help keep the city centre free of litter.

When the rubbish reaches a certain level sensors trigger a compactor allowing the bin to hold eight times more than an average street bin.

The bins flash green when empty, amber as they are filled up, and red to indicate they need emptying.

Banes council is also considering paying for an upgrade to the system which would send a text message to refuse staff saying the bins are ready to be emptied.

"It makes great sense because bins need emptying less frequently meaning our staff can be deployed in the war against grime much more efficiently," said Councillor David Dixon, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods.

- BBC.co.uk