This epic hero of trash removal has gobbled up more than 1 million pounds of garbage

The world needs more heroes, even if those heroes are solar-powered water wheels.

Mr. Trash Wheel, the googly-eyed, trash-gathering water wheel that's been keeping Baltimore Harbor clean since 2014, recently inspired us all by hitting a huge milestone: he's removed more than one million pounds of garbage from Baltimore's waterways.

Woah, baby.

According to the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore's website, Mr. Trash Wheel operates by gaining power from Baltimore currents. The currents turn the water wheel and lift trash and debris from the water, transferring it into Mr. Trash Wheel's mouth, I mean dumpster barge. And when there's not enough water current to generate power? That's where the solar panels come in. Read more...