LYNN — The city has installed 75 Bigbelly barrels at 27 city parks as part of an initiative to reduce waste in green spaces and keep Lynn clean, according to a press release from Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office. The new barrels are larger than the usual 55-gallon barrels and contain a solar-powered compactor, which allows for maximum capacity by automatically pushing trash down.
“There is also a component that sends an electronic message when the barrel is full, which will assist the city in routing its trash pick-up routes more efficiently throughout parks,” the press release said.
Bigbelly’s mission is to make communities cleaner and more sustainable, according to its website.
The city purchased the new Bigbelly barrels using American Rescue Plan Act funds. According to the press release, the barrels help promote Lynn’s “commitment” to mitigating the city’s trash problem and promoting environmental justice in neighborhoods.
This initiative is also highlighting creative kids in the community, the press release said. Nicholson’s office, the City Council, and the Planning Department invited students from the district’s schools to submit artwork to be displayed on the barrels.
The designs of 21 students were chosen for the initiative. The students attend St. Mary’s Elementary School, Pickering Middle School, Lynn English High School, and Lynn Vocational and Technical Institute.
“This is an exciting moment for the city,” Nicholson said. “We have continuously heard from the community that it is a priority to keep the city clean and these students are playing a key role in these efforts. We received great participation in this project and we are thankful to all the students for putting their stamp on our parks.”
The 21 students were recently recognized by Nicholson and the City Council for their contributions to the city.
“The residents want a cleaner city and we are making those investments happen. The artwork from our talented students is amazing. The students really stepped up,” City Councilor-at-Large and Litter Committee Co-Chair Brian Field said.
