Litter Traps: A Cost-Effective Solution for Removing Litter from Waterways

The litter Trap is a passive floating system able to capture plastic litter carried by the river current. RIVERS makes the circular approach a crucial element of its strategy, therefore the Litter Traps are almost entirely made from recycled plastic.

The Litter Trap floats on the surface but is also anchored to the bottom of the river with spud poles or is attached to the river bank by a rail system, to prevent it from drifting away. The anchoring system is rather simple and it works with two metal poles fixed to the riverbed; the Trap is then inserted between these two poles thanks to two anchoring rings. The rings can be placed on both sides in case of strong water currents in flood-prone rivers. Not having a fixed anchoring system allows the Litter Trap to “swing” up and down on the poles, meaning that in case of water level fluctuation, the Trap will be able to continue its capturing function. Depending on the quantities of litter, the Traps will need to be emptied on a regular basis (either by manually collecting the litter or by removing the “door” at the end of it). The Litter Trap is accessible for emptying via the deck and bridges on top. More than half of the Litter Trap’s structure will be submerged and a platform will ease the maintenance and emptying procedures.

CLEAR RIVERS also combine floating booms with the Litter Trap to catch more litter and direct it inside the Trap. The Litter Trap will not disturb existing ship traffic thanks to its convenient and effective positioning.