New underground trash system installed at Florida beach

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — A new trash system has been installed at Clearwater Beach to help keep the beaches trash free.

On Monday, city leaders unveiled the unique trash and recycling system on Monday.

The Underground Refuse System is a system of collection where trash and recyclables are placed in cans and held underground.

The underground system has a key locking system in place to curb illegal dumping and is totally enclosed to keep in the smell and keep out the critters.

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The underground system also helps keep trash away from beach visitors. The wind and rain can cause trash to spill onto the ground, blowing around the beach and becoming litter.

“In addition to being better for the environment and improved aesthetics on our beautiful beach, the Underground Refuse System will increase our collection efficiency by increasing volume and decreasing collection frequency,” said Earl Gloster, director of Clearwater Solid Waste & Recycling.

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In addition to the three locations already installed along Clearwater Beach, three additional Underground Refuse Systems will be installed in the future at various locations around the city.

The $1.2 million undertaking is the first beach location for the system in North America.

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“Having our underground waste units on Clearwater Beach is an exciting next step for our technology in the United States,” said Jay Wheeler, CEO/president of Underground Refuse Systems. “The city of Clearwater sets an example as a solid waste innovator that other cities would be wise to emulate.”

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