Interceptor Trashfence in Guatemala
Las Vacas River, Interceptor 006
Our Interceptor Trashfence enables us to intercept plastic in locations where geographic or environmental challenges mean our other Interceptor Solutions cannot be used. Created in collaboration with avalanche protection experts, the Trashfence stretches across a gorge and catches plastic and other waste in a specially designed steel mesh while allowing water to pass through.
Our initial trial of the system in Guatemala’s Rio Las Vacas in May 2022 was unsuccessful, as a large amount of plastic was not retained, and some structural damage was suffered due to the force of the flash flood. We are using this first deployment of our Interceptor Trashfence to experiment with various design elements (such as riverbed foundations, fence height, and mesh design) and make improvements to achieve greater plastic-capturing efficiency. To learn more, visit our blogpost.
Images (17)
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Interceptor 006 attempts to halt a trash tsunami, Rio Las Vacas, Guatemala -
Interceptor 006 in Las Vacas river, Guatemala, during the start of the flash flood. The Ocean Cleanup's first Interceptor Trashfence, piloted in May/June 2022 -
Interceptor 006 in Las Vacas river, Guatemala, after the flash flood. The Interceptor Trashfence suffered some damage and most of the plastic escaped during the flood. -
Interceptor Trashfence being inspected in Guatemala after the flashfloods -
Interceptor Trashfence, in Las Vacas river, Guatemala. Damaged after the flash flood.
