New Trash Cans In Portland Run On Solar Power?

I guess I missed the memo on this. Lately I've been seeing a whole bunch of nice, new trash cans popping up all over Portland as I drive around. The odd thing about them is that they are solar powered. So today I had to get a closer look and see what was going on. 

There it is. A big ole solar panel on the top of the trash can. They look really cool. I've thought solar power was awesome ever since the calculator I had in algebra class that never needed batteries. But what do you need a solar panel on a trash can for?

Upon closer inspection, I saw that the trash cans are called "Big Belly Solar Compactors." Sweet! The power from the sun actually compacts the trash and requires them to be emptied less often, letting Portland Public Works deal with more pressing matters like filing in pot holes. (Subtle hint there guys)

Not only do they require less emptying, they also let public works know when they are full by sending notifications back to HQ. Nice!

Now they just need to make one that is graffiti resistant and we're golden.