ABOUT THE PROJECT

Millions of kilograms of plastic reach the Great Lakes every year, doing damage to fish and wildlife, polluting the water, and affecting the millions of people who live in the region and are dependent on the largest freshwater system in the world. Research on plastic pollution pathways and long-term environmental impacts is evolving rapidly, and studies show it could cost as much as $400 million annually to manage this plastic pollution problem. 

The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup is a first-of-its-kind initiative using innovative technology to quickly remove plastics at marinas from Lake Ontario to Lake Superior and everywhere in between. The litter collected will be analyzed and valuable plastics will be recovered, to be redirected back into the recycling system and creating reuse opportunities. Throughout, we’ll be working with lake communities and businesses to keep plastics out of our environment and waterways to protect the Great Lakes region, now and for future generations.