Long Island, NY – Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Chairman Richard M. Kessel and New York Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer today dedicated one of two recently installed solar powered trash compactors in Rockaway to help promote the use of clean and renewable energy alternatives in the community. The solar powered trash compactors will help to reduce the frequency of collections required and the costs (and associated carbon dioxide and pollution emissions from truck traffic) related to solid waste removal efforts.

“These solar powered trash compactors store and use the power of the sun to crush up to six bags’ worth of garbage into a single bag,” Chairman Kessel said. “That saves even more energy because sanitation trucks don’t have to empty the waste receptacle as often.”