Chelan to replace downtown waste bins with high-capacity Bigbelly cans

Chelan will replace 16 aging waste bins on Woodin Avenue with solar-powered Bigbelly trash cans, following a nearly $100,000 donation from the Historic Downtown Chelan Association. Public Works Director Jake Youngren highlighted the upgrade as a solution to overflowing bins during busy summer months. The Bigbelly units feature compacting mechanisms and remote monitoring, allowing staff to respond promptly when bins are nearly full. Youngren mentioned that the new bins would also mitigate littering from wind and seagulls. Council members commended this partnership as a beneficial collaboration between local businesses and city operations.

Once the council formally accepts the donation in December, the HDCA will proceed with procurement. Delivery typically takes 60 days, aiming for early 2026 installation before the spring tourist season begins. The new bins will be customized with local graphics to align with the HDCA’s “Store Downtown” campaign.