Students urge BigBelly trash compactor on Charles Riverwalk; council refers proposal to Public Works

Students from McDevitt Middle School presented an action-civics resolution asking the Waltham City Council to consider installing a BigBelly solar-powered trash-and-recycling compactor at the Moody Street entrance to the Charles Riverwalk.

Teacher William Kennedy introduced the group and praised the students’ work; student presenter Yorelli described the project’s findings and location proposal. "This is our proposal for adding new Big Belly trash can at the Moody Street entrance of the Charles Riverwalk," the student said, noting their research found "no trash cans along that Charles River Walk" and visible signage that imposes a fine despite few receptacles. Students presented estimated purchase-and-installation costs of $9,704 for one unit and said the BigBelly's solar compaction and notification system would reduce collection frequency and costs.

Councilors commended the pupils and the teacher for engaging in civic processes. The council emphasized that the idea required committee review and formal approvals: the president referred the matter to the Public Works Committee for further study and possible implementation steps. Councilors also noted maintenance and routing assumptions cited by the students (the city could add the unit to an existing collection route; fleet-level maintenance costs were discussed at approximately $5,000). The referral means staff and Public Works will review feasibility, location specifics, and budget implications before returning a recommendation to the council.