Ocean Cleanup's LA Interceptor Blocks 143,710 Pounds of Trash in 2025 as It Expands to 2 Rivers
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 12
Ocean Cleanup's LA Interceptor Blocks 143,710 Pounds of Trash in 2025 as It Expands to 2 Rivers
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 12
Summary
Ballona Creek’s solar-powered Interceptor kept 143,710 pounds of rubbish out of Santa Monica Bay in 2025, according to Ocean Cleanup’s latest tally from the Los Angeles pilot.
The system uses a floating barrier, conveyor belt and automated shuttle to funnel debris into six bins with 20,000-pound capacity, then sends the waste for sorting and disposal.
Ocean Cleanup plans to add 2 more Los Angeles-area boats on the San Gabriel River and Los Angeles River after launching the Ballona Creek project in 2022.
The nonprofit says the creek installation is already reducing trash on nearby beaches, allowing some coastal cities south of the site to cut beach-grooming budgets.
Ocean Cleanup now runs 21 Interceptor systems in 10 locations worldwide and is targeting the 30 most-polluted cities by 2030, arguing rivers drive most ocean plastic pollution.
This solar barge catches tons of trash, but what happens when it faces a major flood or massive debris?
With millions spent on cleanup tech, are we ignoring the root cause of our global plastic addiction?
As LA installs more Interceptors, what is the long-term plan if the nonprofit funding eventually runs out?
LA’s Interceptor Program: Preventing 628 Tons of Plastic from Reaching the Pacific Ahead of LA28
Overview
Los Angeles is stepping up its fight against plastic pollution by expanding The Ocean Cleanup's Interceptor program in 2026. Building on the success of Interceptor 007, which has operated in Ballona Creek since 2024 with full support from the LA County Board of Supervisors, new Interceptor barriers will be installed in the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers. Supported by feasibility studies from Long Beach and Seal Beach, this expansion aims to create a coordinated, city-wide ocean protection system across LA’s three major waterways. These efforts are especially important as the city prepares to host the LA28 Olympic Games.