A futuristic solar-powered, self-compacting litter bin has landed in Great Yarmouth's Market Place as the borough council trials the new technology.

The Clean Cube has a built-in sensor that records when rubbish reaches the fill level and automatically starts the waste compaction process. It communicates electronically with the depot to tell operatives when it is full, enabling bins to be emptied more efficiently.

According to the manufacturer, the technology means the bin can hold up to eight times more rubbish, preventing litter overflowing and reducing the frequency of trips to empty the bin, as well as the associated costs in fuel, staff time and carbon emissions.

The Market Place has been chosen because it is a high footfall location and the bins in this area require regular emptying, especially during the summer. The Clean Cube sample unit is on loan, free-of-charge, for the six-week trial.

Cllr Carl Smith, chair of the environment committee, said: 'This trial supports the borough council's commitment to reduce our impact on the environment and ensure the streets are consistently clean and well presented. We like to be innovative and try out new ways to provide services, especially when it is at no cost to the council.

'As well as the environmental and social benefits, the manufacturer claims this futuristic bin can significantly cut the operational costs associated with emptying standard bins, raising the prospect of achieving further savings to spend on public priorities. It will be fascinating to analyse the results.'