Mr. Trash Wheel and Professor Trash Wheel, the solar- and hydro-powered trash interceptors cleaning up Baltimore’s inner harbor, have the ability to suck up plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, cigarette butts and other debris. The waste is burned to generate electricity, and plans exist to increase recycling capabilities in the future.

The brainchild of engineer John Kellett, who gained the support of the Water Partnership of Baltimore, a nonprofit that supports environmental legislation, the inventions are designed to make the area a green, safe and friendly destination for people and marine life.

This article appears in the July 2017 issue of Natural Awakenings.