L.A.’s New Waste Interceptor Prevents 155,000 Pounds of Trash From Entering Ocean

As winter storms rolled into the southland this winter, tons of trash prepared to enter the Pacific Ocean. But debris that arrived in L.A.’s Ballona Creek was caught and destroyed before it ever got there, thanks to cutting edge technology introduced by the county last year.

During the first storm season of the two-year pilot project, L.A.’s 007 Interceptor prevented 155,000 pounds (77.5 tons) of trash from entering the sea. The result was a 75% reduction in trash along local beaches, according to the Department of Public Works.

“Its performance has exceeded our wildest expectations,” Boyan Slat, founder of The Ocean Cleanup, told the Los Angeles Times. The Netherlands-based nonprofit has been partnering with L.A. County’s Department of Public Works since October.  

The device was the first of its kind to be deployed in North America. It will be given to L.A. County at the end of the pilot program if deemed successful. 

Click here to see video of the 007 in action.