The Solid Waste team within Facilities/Construction Management (F/CM) recently replaced all the “Bigbellies” units at the University of Houston (UH). The Bigbelly company makes trash cans and recycling bins.
At UH, the Bigbelly units function as a double kiosk, providing two containers that receive trash and recycling.
A Big Replacement Project
“There were 62 units and they were all new. The units that were on campus were outdated and needed to be replaced,” said DeAnthony Thomas, assistant director of campus services.
Leadership requested that all the new units be equipped with foot pedals, with the anticipated outcome that the foot pedals will lead to higher recycling numbers. Foot pedals can reduce concerns about germs and inspire more people to use the hands-free kiosks.
“These smart units notify our team when they are full, which allows us to not have to service every unit every day. Also, just like our previous models, the units contain all the waste and fluids to keep our campus clean,” said Thomas.
Keeping Campus Clean is Maintaining Excellence
The Bigbelly replacement project underscores the Solid Waste team’s high standards and their dedication to the UH campus.
“As always, my team is committed to providing excellent service to keep our campus clean and we are always looking for ways to improve and make things more efficient. We are very excited to have these units,” said Thomas.
You can spot the Bigbellies across campus. At the General Services Building (GSB), a unit is visible outside one of the bay exits to the parking lot, and another is close to the entrance to the GSB lobby and the nearby Copy, Print, and Delivery center.