How Tampa is using data to better understand its trash

• Then they'll use something called the Escaped Trash Assessment Protocol to record the trash's data — things like the type of trash, the brand, the condition, time in the water.

The big idea is to create a comprehensive profile of the litter in particular regions — and since around 75% of land litter winds up in the water, the localized data will be hard evidence of the main trash producers in the area.

• For example, are there loads of styrofoam cups from a particular fast food restaurant? Or cigar packaging from a particular brand?
• When the data is collected, the plan is to appeal to the businesses making the trash to curb their trash production.