The City of Tampa is thrilled to expand its effort to keep Tampa's waterways clean with the launch of the Little Skimmer. This addition comes just as its older counterpart -- the Litter Skimmer -- approaches its third anniversary.
Since its launch, the 43-foot Litter Skimmer has removed more than 94,000 pounds of debris. The Litter Skimmer -- a Weedoo workboat -- will access harder-to-reach areas, such as seawalls, mangroves, and shallow edges. The environmental workboat allows the Tampa Solid Waste Department to target litter where it is often hidden and harmful.
"Working hand in hand, the Litter and Little Skimmers will continue to protect one of Tampa's most critical natural resources -- the Hillsborough River," said Mayor Jane Castor. "But they cannot do it alone. Ultimately, everyone plays a role in keeping our waterways clean. Keep it Clean, Tampa!"
A $500,000 Trash Free Waters grant, awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2022 helped launch this community-wide initiative which also supports education, public engagement, and sustainable litter-reduction strategies.
Program Highlights:
- Awarded a $500,000 Trash Free Waters grant in 2022 from the Environmental Protection Agency to expand the ‘Keep it Clean, Tampa!’ initiative.
- Completed a citywide litter study to identify hot spots and created data-driven reduction strategies.
- Completed local cleanups and education on proper waste disposal.
- An ongoing anti-litter campaign showcasing local wildlife with a Tampa flair. The characters have taken over the city on the Riverwalk, Ben T. Davis Beach, Rowlett Park, River Tower Park, Cypress Point Park, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Curtis Hixon Park, solid waste collection trucks branding, bus benches, music and video streaming platforms, a bus, and more! They remind us the less litter Tampa has, the more we can enjoy it, and the closest garbage can is always in your pocket!
- Ongoing sustainable business spotlights through the Businesses for the Bay partnership.
- Promoting awareness of the societal and environmental impacts of local non-profits.
- Upcoming storm drain art and waste diversion education.
Since its debut in 2023, the Litter Skimmer, a 43-foot vessel, has collected plastic bottles and indoor furniture from Tampa's waterways. In 2023, the boat won the Downtown Partnership Urban Excellence Award. It is currently a finalist for the Public Relations Society of America Radiance Award for the Public Sector Award.
Visit Keep It Clean, Tampa for more information on litter prevention and cleanup efforts, including a litter hotline.