LA's Trash Interceptor A 'Monumental Success,' Pilot Program Complete

LOS ANGELES, CA — Over the course of its two-year pilot, The Ocean Cleanup Interceptor 007 has collected 124 tons of materials and officials deemed the project a "monumental success."

Launched in October 2022, the solar-powered trash collector has been stationed at the mouth of Ballona Creek to prevent garbage from flowing into the Santa Monica Bay. Over the course of the program, the interceptor has collected a total of 248,648 lbs. or material, including 2,738 lbs. of recyclable plastic — the equivalent of 59,000 water bottles.

“Two years ago, LA County launched the Interceptor 007 with the community and The Ocean Cleanup. I am proud that we have the data to show that the Interceptor is a powerful component
of the County’s efforts to keep debris out of our waterways,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “I look forward to presenting a motion to the Board of Supervisors at the October 8th meeting to officially turn this pilot program into a long-term solution.”

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The floating barge dumpster is 70 feet long and 20 feet tall and has a catamaran and an automated trash rack with a conveyor belt system to collect debris. The Ocean Cleanup provided the interceptor at no cost and also provided monitoring equipment to collect data.

Interceptor 007 is among a fleet of interceptors and other solutions designed by the nonprofit The Ocean Cleanup. It is the first and only trash interceptor in the U.S.

“We built Interceptor 007 to make a difference here in Los Angeles, recognizing that Ballona Creek historically receives more than 30 tons of trash, plastic, and debris a year,” said Marco Piët, River Director of The Ocean Cleanup. “This partnership with LA County has been a monumental success and serves as a model for how other government agencies can partner with us to build the solutions needed to keep rivers and oceans clean around the globe.”

The interceptor's capabilities were thoroughly tested during two seasons of dramatic and record-breaking rains in Los Angeles County. Ballona Creek experienced 51.3 inches of rainfall, with peak flow within the channel reaching 18,000 cubic feet per second, according to LA County Public Works.

The system successfully completed 20 offloads and prevented significant quantities of trash and other debris from contaminating popular beaches.

"LA County envisions a future where all residents have access to safe, clean, and reliable water resources,” Public Works Director Mark Pestrella stated. “The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor offers an innovative solution to prevent trash from reaching our oceans, safeguarding public health and preserving the beauty of our iconic coastline and marine environments.”

On Oct. 3, officials will temporarily remove the interceptor from Ballona Creek to perform upgrades before the start of storm season. Enhancements include the installation of additional solar panels, a doubling of its battery storage capacity and the integration of a smart heater to reduce power consumption and prevent water damage.

“We look forward to Interceptor 007 returning after receiving its upgrades,” said Gary Jones, director of Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors. “The collection results in a cleaner Marina del Rey harbor and less debris on beaches than we would have otherwise seen, especially during
the winter storm season. That speaks volumes to the success of the two-year pilot program. Beachgoers and our coastal communities have greatly benefitted from the Interceptor’s success.”