The Cedar Rapids Solid Waste and Recycling division unveiled its newest litter-fighting tool at EcoFest on Saturday at NewBo City Market.

City Manager Jeff Pomeranz led a demonstration of the new mini litter vacuum which allows a single operator to cover more ground and collect more trash in a shorter time than crews on foot.

Pomeranz said the vacuum has already collected the equivalent of 250 bags of trash this spring.

The city obtained the mini litter vacuum—a Bobcat Toolcat outfitted with a vacuum hose and collection box—last fall and has been utilizing the device.

The new tool cost about $100,000 and can be outfitted with a grapple claw bucket to assist in cleaning up illegal dumps.