Former FSU Star John Wyche Now Tackling the Cleaning of Garbage Cans

February 22 2011 Last updated at 12:25 PM ET

Miami policeman John Wyche is committed to keeping residential streets clean of bad guys. Wyche is also committed to keeping residential trash cans and commercial garbage dumpsters clean of hazardous bacteria and fungi.

Both can be dirty jobs but, hey, somebody's got to do them, right?

Wyche, a former collegiate and professional football player, loves both his jobs.

In fact, one led to another.

In October 2009, some local kids had spray painted a number of neighborhood cars. Sgt. Wyche, on duty the following morning in Sunny Isle, Fla. realized that garbage was scheduled for pickup. He figured the young culprits probably tossed their spray paint cans in a neighborhood dumpster for a clean and easy getaway.

More than 200 garbage cans and 40 dumpsters later, Wyche discovered the spray paint cans -- and a business idea.

"After digging through those garbage cans and dumpsters I came to the realization that nobody was cleaning these things, because I had a nasty smell in my nose for the following week," Wyche said and laughed.

Wyche researched his idea and discovered companies in the United Kingdom and California were offering similar services to their customers.

Wyche was determined to do it better, and today his company -- TrashCo -- cleans residential garbage cans and commercial dumpsters all across south Florida. Better yet, Wyche says, the cleaning materials are green, environmentally compliant and effective.

Wyche's ultimate goal is to provide his service to trash and waste companies and customers throughout the United States. He also wants to help educate customers and businesses on the dangers of containers that are infested with flies, maggots, ants, insects and harmful germs and bacteria.

"People think that garbage cans just stink, but it can be much worse," Wyche explained.

Wyche said in recent testing by his business, seven different hazardous bacteria and fungi were identified in randomly tested residential trash cans and commercial garbage dumpsters.

Once a month and on the same day trash is collected, one of Wyche's technicians pressure washes, sanitizes and deodorizes area garbage cans, recycling bins, dumpsters and compactors.

Wyche, 42, had no idea one of his professions would be garbage.

He was a three-year starter (1987-90) at FSU, and many Seminole fans remember the horrific leg injury he sustained on kickoff coverage. Wyche, a starter at strong safety, broke his leg "in seven wonderful places" and still can't wiggle his toes due to the nerve damage he sustained.

Following FSU, Wyche signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers and played one season for the Birmingham Fire in the World League of American Football. He returned to Tallahassee, Fla. and worked in banking for four years before he decided to join law enforcement, moving to Miami more than 10 years ago.

Wyche keeps a close eye on his beloved Seminoles and tries to remain in touch with former teammates. While Wyche can't believe how quickly time has passed since his playing days, he has plenty to keep him busy with three children and two careers.

Wyche wants to make a difference and keep Miami streets clean.

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