Agenda Item: 15
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: August 26, 2025
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF BIG BELLY TRASH AND RECYCLING SOLAR
COMPACTOR UNITS
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Darin Seegmiller
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Approve the purchase, through Waxie Sanitary Supply, of ten Big Belly Solar Trash and Recycling Units, using the appropriated budget from the Construction and Demolition Forfeiture funds and the City/County Beverage Container Payment Program grant from CalRecycle in the amount not to exceed $115,687.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clarita (City) installed the first Big Belly Solar Recycling Units (Big Belly) in 2010. These locked and secure units collect aluminum, plastic, and glass beverage containers in public locations and eliminate scavenging. To date, the City has purchased and installed 155 Big Belly units throughout the City at parks, libraries, bus stops, Metrolink stations, and other high- traffic public locations.
Since the initial purchase and installation, the City has focused on providing “duo units” (see attachment) that accept trash and recycling to make disposal of both waste and recycling efficient and convenient in public places. According to CalRecycle, trash and recycling bins that are close together generally increase recycling participation. It encourages the community to consider recycling the first option as it requires minimal effort. In addition, seeing the side-by-side bins is a constant reminder to separate waste.
Big Belly incorporates smart technology that measures the contents within the unit and sends an
email or text alert to maintenance staff when the unit needs to be serviced. This reduces the unsightly appearance of overfilled waste receptacles and saves time by allowing staff to skip service of units that are not full.
Staff is proposing the purchase of ten additional Big Belly duo units at a total cost of $115,687.
These new units will be installed throughout the newly acquired Hart Park near picnic benches and other high traffic areas, Skyline Ranch Park, Circle J Ranch Park, and Fair Oaks Park.
Big Belly units showcase the City’s commitment to sustainable and innovative recycling efforts.
The proposed program expansion will allow residents to dispose of their waste correctly at more facilities. Additionally, this action is consistent with Santa Clarita’s 2025 Strategic Plan to continue efforts to achieve the goal of 75 percent solid waste diversion.
Waxie Sanitary Supply is the exclusive provider of Big Belly units; thus, a sole source procurement is necessary to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and operational consistency. Standardizing container types enhances operational efficiency, streamlines maintenance, and ensures uniformity for both staff and the community. Maintaining this standard is essential for service efficiency and seamless infrastructure integration. This approach aligns with the City’s purchasing policy, ensuring a cost-effective and consistent waste management system.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adequate funds are available in the Beverage Container Recycling Grant expenditure account 2597206-516101 for $40,686.32 and the Construction and Demolition Forfeiture expenditure account 1007203-516102 for $75,000.
ATTACHMENTS
WAXIE_Quote
Big Belly Duo Unit