Ballona Creek’s Trash Interceptor Launched
Chances are you’ve seen the Ballona Creek’s Trash Interceptor and wondered, “What is that?”
On October 22, 2022, the team launched the Ballona Creek Trash Interceptor 007 vessel. The vessel aims to prevent 60 tons of trash from entering Santa Monica Bay.
WHAT IS THE INTERCEPTOR?
The Trash Interceptor 007 is a fully automated, solar-powered trash collection device. It was developed by The Ocean Cleanup, a Netherlands-based nonprofit. The County of Los Angeles and The Ocean Cleanup joined forces to address the stormwater pollution issue in Ballona Creek.
Ballona Creek Interceptor Launch event in Playa del Rey with L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, October 22, 2022. Photo credit: K. Jacob
WHERE CAN YOU SEE IT? AND WHAT’S INSIDE THE INTERCEPTOR?
You can see the vessel if you’re at the Ballona Creek Bridge connecting Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey. If you’re on the bike path near the South Jetty, then you can easily spot the 73-foot-long catamaran. The vessel is outfitted with a removable barge. Inside you’ll find six collection bins for a combined 1,750 cubic feet of storage capacity. Its automated trash rack and conveyor-belt system run as quietly as a common household appliance. As a result, the Interceptor is an eco-friendly and efficient solution to removing plastic from the waterways.
The Ocean Cleanup Founder made remarks at Ballona Creek Interceptor Launch event in Playa del Rey with L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, October 22, 2022. Photo credit: K. Jacob.
“The Interceptor is a powerful addition to the County’s multi-pronged approach to prevent trash from entering our waterways—which also includes banning single-use plastics and anti-littering awareness campaigns,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Holly J. Mitchell. “I look forward to the findings from this pilot and the impact it has on keeping our waterways clean and safe for all residents to enjoy.”
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