Thomas W. Romano III saved thousands of dollars by stealing commercial trash containers throughout the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire, according to prosecutors.

In Lowell District Court on Wednesday, Romano, 28, of Lowell, admitted to sufficient facts to 16 counts of receiving stolen property. His case was continued without a finding for two years while he is on probation.

Defense attorney Jeanine Mercure asked for probation, explaining Romano has no record and currently drives a truck for a paving company.

Prosecutor Ben Towbin said the stolen commercial trash bins, up to 30 yards long, are worth a total of about $58,000. The scrap contents also stolen totaled about $14,000.