Fun Facts About the WasteShark

Last year, WaterWays introduced our readers to the newest IFCD 3 employee: The WasteShark. Being almost ready to start work (more on that in a minute), we thought it was time to share a few fun facts about our community’s newest trash-fighting partner.

  1. The WasteShark’s name is Scoop, courtesy of a Valley Ranch community member. IFCD 3 knows that talking about trash isn’t the most engaging of conversations, but the topic is critical to keeping our neighborhood clean and functional. So, last August, we asked our readers to submit name ideas for our newest employee with hopes of keeping the topic engaging and exciting. Be sure to follow IFCD 3 on Twitter and Facebook for special messages from Scoop!

  2. Scoop is here to help with efficient, effective trash management. IFCD 3 collects about 40 tons of trash from Valley Ranch each year – that’s equivalent to 23 mid-size cars. All of that trash must be cleared from the areas adjacent to our canals to prevent clogging and other issues – which is a hefty job, as you can imagine. Scoop helps to efficiently cleans our waterways by collecting trash and returning it to a central location for final disposal, seven days a week.

  3. The WasteShark is used around the world. Created by a company called RanMarine, the WasteShark can operate in waterways around the world, preventing litter and trash from ultimately leading into the oceans. Currently, there are 10 WasteSharks operating in locations including Dubai, Southeast Asia and Europe (and Valley Ranch!)

  4. Scoop originated from The Netherlands. RanMarine, the company that produces the WasteShark, is based in The Netherlands. Richard Hardiman is RanMarine’s CEO and describes himself as an “accidental environmentalist” and believes that everyone – including citizens, businesses and governmental organizations – have a role to play in keeping our world clean.

  5. Scoop works with technology. Similar to a robotic vacuum cleaner (think about your automatic pool cleaner, or even your in-home Roomba), the Waste Shark uses GPS and data communication technologies to collect refuse from our waterways, while also intaking data on water quality.

  6. Scoop weights 110 lbs. and can collect up to 1100 lbs of trash per trip. Scoop soon will operate in the Valley Ranch waterways 24 hours a day, seven days a week! The only thing standing between Scoop and waterway trash collection is completion of a ramp mechanism to enable access to charging and unloading of trash. That work is now underway!

As Scoop starts its new position with IFCD 3, you can help make its job easier by always disposing of your trash properly. Have a question for Scoop? Tweet us or send an email to info@ifcd.org.

Irving Flood Control District III