"Compressing" Smart Waste Bin "SmaGO" Introduced at New Park "Arc Town Utsunomiya" in Tochigi Prefecture
Forcetec Inc. has installed two "SmaGO" smart waste bins at the new park "Arc Town Utsunomiya" in Tochigi Prefecture. As part of a Park-PFI initiative, the goal is to maintain the park's aesthetics and improve collection efficiency through the trash compression and cloud management features.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 22:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 12:59 (1454h 59m after Published)
On March 28, 2026, two units of the eco-friendly IoT smart waste bin "SmaGO" (developed by Forcetec Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO Yohei Takemura, hereinafter referred to as "Forcetec") began operation at the newly opened comprehensive park "Arc Town Utsunomiya" (Higashi General Park) in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture.
This initiative was implemented as part of the Park-PFI project (public call for installation and management system) led by Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chuo-ku, Osaka, President and CEO Tetsuya Kita).
The SmaGO units installed this time operate on solar power, and in addition to automatically compressing trash to approximately 1/5th of its volume, they are equipped with a function to monitor the fill level via the cloud, enabling efficient collection while preventing overflow. The installation of SmaGO aims to provide an environment that is easy for visitors to use, maintain the park's aesthetics, and improve the efficiency of collection operations.
◾️ Background of SmaGO Installation at Arc Town Utsunomiya
Arc Town Utsunomiya is a comprehensive park equipped with urban sports facilities, a lawn plaza, a multipurpose plaza, and dining/retail functions. As the first new park in Tochigi Prefecture to utilize Park-PFI, Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd. has been proceeding with its development.
In conjunction with the creation of this new flow of people, SmaGO was installed to ensure an environment that is easy for visitors to use and to improve the efficiency of cleaning operations. This is the third SmaGO installation following Hokkaido's "BiVi Shin-Sapporo" and Tochigi Prefecture's "Furespo Utsunomiya Market" in facilities operated by Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd.
◾️ About the Smart Waste Bin "SmaGO"
SmaGO is an IoT smart waste bin developed by Forcetec with consideration for the global environment. It operates on solar power and automatically compresses trash to about 1/5th of its volume. Its communication function notifies users of the accumulated amount, thus significantly improving the efficiency of collection operations while preventing overflow. Furthermore, the wrapping can be freely designed for awareness campaigns on waste separation, and operational costs can be reduced by soliciting sponsorships. SmaGO installation corresponds to six of the 17 goals set by the United Nations SDGs.
【Introduction Effect Examples】
Omotesando/Harajuku Area, Tokyo: Reduced collection frequency by approximately 70%
Dotonbori Area, Osaka: Reduced litter in the surrounding area by approximately 90% (excluding cigarette butts)
◾️ About Arc Town Utsunomiya
Arc Town Utsunomiya is a comprehensive park newly opened on March 28, 2026, directly connected to the Hiraiishi Station of the Lightline tram. It centers around urban sports, including an all-weather skate park and a multipurpose plaza with 3x3 courts. It also features a lawn plaza, direct sales stores, and restaurants, serving as a new hub for vibrancy and interaction along the Lightline, enjoyable for a wide range of generations.
Official Website: https://arctown-utsunomiya.com/
◾️ Future Development
Through the introduction of SmaGO, Forcetec supports the streamlining of waste management and the reduction of environmental impact in parks, commercial facilities, and public spaces.
Moving forward, the company will verify its contributions to efficient waste management and comfortable environment maintenance in park operations through the deployment at Arc Town Utsunomiya, and will expand these initiatives to other facilities.
◾️ About Forcetec Inc.
Company Name: Forcetec Inc.
Established: April 15, 2019
Location: 6F Otemachi One Tower, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan
Representative: Yohei Takemura, President and CEO
Business Description: Proposal of environmental activities where the city, companies, and people are united, through the installation of smart waste bins "SmaGO" across Japan.
Official Website: https://forcetec.jp
◾️ Inquiries
Forcetec Inc. Public Relations Department
Phone: 03-3453-7140
Inquiry Form: https://smago.jp/contact/
Keywords: SDGs,Smart Waste Bin,Trash Can,Smart Garbage Can,Arc Town Utsunomiya,Environment,Utsunomiya,Daiwa Lease,Park,Park-PFIFAQ
What kind of trash can is "SmaGO"?
It is an IoT smart waste bin that operates on solar power, automatically compresses trash to about 1/5th its volume, and tracks fill levels via the cloud.
Why was SmaGO introduced at Arc Town Utsunomiya?
It is part of a Park-PFI project aimed at maintaining the park's aesthetics and improving the efficiency of collection operations.
What are the benefits of introducing SmaGO?
Expected benefits include preventing trash overflow, maintaining aesthetics, and reducing collection frequency (with a proven 70% reduction in other areas).