National Highways trials ‘talking’ smart bin to tackle litter on the A303

National Highways has launched a trial of a new solar-powered “talking” compacting litter bin along the A303 in the South West as part of efforts to reduce roadside waste and cut maintenance costs.

The smart bin has been installed in a layby near Upottery in Devon and is the first of its kind to be introduced by National Highways in the region. Officials say the technology could eventually be rolled out more widely across England’s strategic road network if the trial proves successful.

Unlike traditional roadside bins, the new unit uses compacting technology to compress waste and increase storage capacity to 570 litres. Sensors inside the bin monitor fill levels and automatically alert East Devon District Council’s Streetscene teams when it needs emptying.

The device also features an audio function which thanks drivers for disposing of litter responsibly during their journeys.

National Highways said the initiative is designed to tackle the growing cost of roadside litter collection, which currently costs local authorities millions of pounds each year across the UK.

By reducing the number of collection visits required, the organisation estimates the trial could deliver an 80% reduction in maintenance hours, cut emptying trips by around two-thirds and generate savings of approximately £30,000 over five years while also lowering carbon emissions.

Andrew Gale, South West service manager for National Highways, said the organisation hopes the scheme will support cleaner roadsides while easing pressure on council resources.

“Clearing litter from our roads costs the taxpayer millions of pounds a year, and the aim here is to reduce the number of collections and ultimately costs, which councils can ill afford,” he said.

Gale added that roadside litter remained a significant environmental and safety issue, creating hazards for wildlife, blocking drainage systems and putting roadworkers at risk during collection operations.

East Devon District Council said the smart technology would allow collection teams to work more efficiently by optimising collection schedules based on real-time fill levels.

Barry Mason, Streetscene area officer for the council, said the technology would help improve both operational efficiency and roadside cleanliness across the area.

The initiative has been funded through National Highways’ Designated Funds programme, which supports projects delivering wider environmental and community benefits beyond core road investment.

National Highways also revealed that its contractors collected almost three tonnes of litter across roads in the South West during this year’s Great British Spring Clean campaign alone.

Across the wider region, teams collected hundreds of bags of rubbish from motorways and major A roads including the A35 and A417/A419 corridors, with the organisation estimating that almost 28 tonnes of litter were removed from South West roads over the past year.