Stopping Trash in Its Tracks: Newport Beach's Trash Interceptor Debuts

On March 7th, we gathered with community leaders, environmental advocates, and local officials to celebrate a major step forward for clean water and coastal health at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the San Diego Creek Trash Interceptor. This innovative project marks a significant moment in the fight against plastic pollution and marine debris - but it’s just the beginning. 

San Diego Creek is one of two major tributaries feeding into the Newport Bay watershed, draining approximately 154 square miles of urban runoff and debris into the estuary. Plastic waste and other pollutants travel through channels and streams, impacting the sensitive wetland ecosystem before ultimately reaching the Pacific Ocean.

Map of the Newport Bay watershed (Source: EPA)

The installation of the San Diego Creek Trash Interceptor is a testament to the community’s commitment to protecting our coastal resources. This state-of-the-art, solar-powered system utilizes booms, rakes, and conveyor belts to capture floating debris before it enters the bay, transferring the collected waste into dumpsters onshore. By harnessing technology, the interceptor will significantly reduce the volume of trash (up to 80%) that reaches the bay and ocean, offering an innovative approach to mitigating marine pollution. 

Looking upstream the San Diego Creek, booms funnel floating trash into the interceptor's conveyor belt system. A solar-paneled roof will be installed on top of the structure. 

Community leaders, environmental advocates, and local officials gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of key stakeholders, including the City of Newport Beach, Ocean Protection Council, Department of Water Resources, Orange County Transportation Authority, Help Your Harbor, and the Surfrider Foundation North OC chapter, which fundraised to support the project. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a celebration of progress, a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard our environment, and a call to action for continued advocacy. While the trash interceptor is an important tool in reducing plastic waste in our waterways, it is only one piece of the solution. To truly combat plastic pollution, we must stop it at the source by reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, advocating for stronger policies on waste reduction, and supporting systemic change that prioritizes sustainability.

Learn more about how you can join the fight against plastic pollution here.