Two Years of Impact: Tampa's Litter Skimmer Celebrates Anniversary

Tampa recently celebrated the second anniversary of the Litter Skimmer, a boat that has removed an impressive 72,500 pounds of waste from the city's waterways. This initiative is part of a comprehensive effort to protect marine life and enhance the beauty of Tampa's natural resources. The skimmer operates for ten hours a day, four days a week, effectively capturing floating debris before it can cause environmental harm. All collected trash is processed at the Waste to Energy Facility, converting waste into electrical energy. In addition to the Litter Skimmer, the city launched the “Keep It Clean Tampa” campaign in 2022 to educate residents on proper litter disposal practices.

Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the necessity of community involvement in keeping the waterways clean. The initiatives demonstrate Tampa's dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Overall, these efforts signify a significant step toward preserving the city's natural beauty and resources for future generations.