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Ocean Cleanup has launched a new Interceptor system at Bollona Creek in Los Angeles County, collecting over 143,000 pounds of trash in 2025. The project aims to prevent plastic waste from entering the Pacific Ocean. Additional systems are planned for nearby rivers.
Ocean Cleanup has launched a new trash collection system at Bollona Creek in Los Angeles County, marking a significant step in its effort to reduce plastic pollution entering the Pacific Ocean from Southern California.
The system, part of Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor program, collected 143,710 pounds of trash from Bollona Creek in 2025. It operates using solar-powered barges equipped with conveyor belts to capture floating debris before it reaches the ocean.
The project is funded and operated by Ocean Cleanup, which has already deployed similar systems in other parts of the world. The Los Angeles County system is provided free of charge and is part of a broader plan to install additional Interceptors along the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers.
Impact on Local Environment and Coastal Communities
This initiative is significant because it targets the source of ocean plastic pollution—rivers—before waste reaches the ocean. The system’s success could lead to broader adoption in other urban waterways, helping to reduce the environmental and economic costs associated with plastic pollution.
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California’s River Pollution and Ocean Plastic Challenges
California’s rivers, including Bollona Creek, contribute substantially to ocean plastic pollution, which is driven largely by urban runoff and waste from inland areas. Ocean Cleanup’s focus on river systems aligns with research indicating that roughly 80% of ocean plastic originates from rivers. The deployment of Interceptor systems in Los Angeles is part of a global effort to combat this problem by intercepting trash in key waterways.
“Turning off the source of plastic waste in rivers is essential to making a meaningful impact on ocean pollution.”
— an anonymous researcher
Remaining Questions About System Effectiveness and Expansion
While initial results show significant trash collection, it is still unclear how the long-term effectiveness of the systems will be measured, and whether additional funding or permits could delay or expand deployment. The full environmental impact of the project has yet to be assessed.
Future Deployment and Monitoring of Los Angeles Interceptors
Ocean Cleanup plans to install two more Interceptor systems along the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers. Monitoring will continue to evaluate their efficiency, and local communities will observe changes in beach cleanliness and trash levels. Further funding and permits will influence the pace of expansion.
Key Questions
How much trash has the Bollona Creek system collected so far?
The system collected approximately 143,710 pounds of trash in 2025.
Are there plans to expand the system to other rivers in California?
Yes, Ocean Cleanup plans to deploy additional Interceptors on the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers.
How is the trash processed after collection?
The collected waste is sorted and sent to appropriate refuse facilities, ensuring responsible disposal.
What are the main challenges in deploying these systems?
Each river requires a tailored system, and permitting, local conditions, and funding can affect deployment timelines.
Will this significantly reduce ocean plastic pollution?
While the systems can intercept large amounts of trash at the source, comprehensive impact depends on broader waste management efforts and upstream prevention.
Source: CleanTechnica
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