Increasing our community cleanup and data collection efforts through Trash Capture Devices

As our plastic pollution problem continues to grow, we must begin to consider a multitude of solutions. Trash capture devices (TCD) can be an important tool for turning the tide against our plastics problem.

TCDs divert litter from the environment, collect data to inform upstream solutions, and increase awareness through outreach and communication.

Read this open access paper on the FACETS website.

Here, we (U of T Trash Team) introduce a framework for a successful trash trapping program using TCDs. We first introduce a method to identify where trash hotspots may occur along the waterbody of interest, and how to choose the optimal location for and type of TCD.

Next, we propose a methodology to quantify and characterize the litter in these devices. The method includes a quick 5-minute assessment of mass and a more time intensive method to provide a detailed picture of the types of litter captured.

In addition, we share the establishment of the International Trash Trap Network (ITTN) in collaboration with Ocean Conservancy.

The goal of the ITTN is to bring together independent stakeholder groups who utilize any type of trash capture device to work locally and globally to reduce plastic pollution through cleanup, data collection to inform source reduction, and community engagement to increase waste literacy.

Read the paper — A methodology for quantifying and characterizing litter from trash capture devices (TCDs) to measure impact and inform upstream solutions by Cassandra Sherlock, Rafaela F. Gutierrez, Michael David, and Chelsea M. Rochman.