THE POWER OF NATURE

Meet Mr. Trash Wheel — the first and most famous member of the trash interceptor family in the Baltimore Harbor and surrounding waters. Together with his family, Professor Trash Wheel, Captain Trash Wheel, and Gwynnda the Good Wheel of the West, they use the power of nature to help cleanup the harbor.

They do this in 3 ways: 

• Collection: Sustainably powered and built to withstand the biggest storms, Mr. Trash Wheel uses a unique blend of solar and hydro power to collect 500 tons of litter and debris each year before it can enter the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
• Evaluation: Trash Wheel data is used by researchers and policy makers around the world to better understand the impacts of plastic on our oceans. Trash Wheel data has helped pass anti-litter legislation and quantify its impacts. When Maryland passed a statewide ban on foam containers in 2020, Mr. Trash Wheel data showed an 85% reduction in this type of litter.
• Inspiration: The Mr. Trash Wheel family has over 100,000 social media followers and has appeared in hundreds of news stories by outlets across the world. Fans have dressed up as Mr. Trash Wheel, made Mr. Trash Wheel cakes, and have even written songs about the infamous trash wheel.

To learn more about Mr. Trash Wheel and his family, watch the Rivers are Life film, Mr. Trash Wheel.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

For the 10th Anniversary, Rivers are Life participated in Mr. Trash Wheel's birthday celebration by having an awareness table in the pop-up museum and fielding participants questions throughout the day. Hundreds of people joined together to learn about the trash collecting invention and raise money for the continued work of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore.