Ocean Cleanup's Interceptor 006 Captures Record 1,400 Tons of Plastic Waste in Guatemala

In a remarkable achievement, Ocean Cleanup's Interceptor 006 captured a staggering 1,400 tons of plastic waste in a single night on the Las Vacas River in Guatemala on April 20, 2024. The amount of debris collected is equivalent to 272 truckloads and marks the largest catch ever recorded by the organization.

The massive haul occurred during the first flood of the year in Guatemala. The Interceptor 006, a floating barrier designed to catch waste while allowing water to flow through, prevented the enormous quantity of plastic from reaching the Caribbean Sea. The Las Vacas River, a tributary of the Motagua River, is one of the main waterways in Central America that contributes to plastic pollution in the Gulf of Honduras and Caribbean.

Ocean Cleanup's founder and CEO, Boyan Slat, described the event as unparalleled. "This is the largest catch we have ever seen," Slat remarked. The Ocean Cleanup team has been working around the clock to remove the waste from the river and transport it for proper disposal. They are still in the process of confirming the exact weight of the debris collected.

Why this matters: The successful interception of such a large amount of plastic waste highlights the effectiveness of groundbreaking solutions in tackling the global problem of marine pollution. It underscores the importance of addressing the issue at the source by preventing plastic from entering waterways and oceans in the first place.

The Ocean Cleanup team's tireless efforts have prevented an immense quantity of plastic waste from reaching the Caribbean Sea, where it would have posed a severe threat to marine life and ecosystems. The organization's work serves as an exemplary model of how dedicated individuals and cutting-edge technology can make a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution.

Key Takeaways

• Ocean Cleanup's Interceptor 006 collected 1,400 tons of plastic waste in Guatemala.
• This is the largest catch ever recorded by the organization, equivalent to 272 truckloads.
• The Interceptor 006 prevented the plastic from reaching the Caribbean Sea, a major contributor.
• The successful interception highlights the effectiveness of groundbreaking solutions to tackle marine pollution.
• Ocean Cleanup's work serves as an exemplary model in the fight against plastic pollution.