Technology Round Up
What types of litter are collected in each of the different types of plastic capture technology within the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup?
Learn more about our technology and data below:
​Each plastic capture technology targets different types of plastic and collects a slightly different quantity of debris each day, depending on a wide range of factors including: the location of the site, weather conditions, and more! Here's the data broken down plastic capture technology:
The longer the devices are operating, the more plastic they collect. We have also been finding lots of small hard fragments, foam and film (all of which are very light), so the overall weight of the catch is much smaller than you might think.
Seabin
This plastic capture technology acts as a "trash skimmer", collecting floating debris, macro and microplastics, and microfibres.
​
Wtihin the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, our Seabins operate in marinas, zoos, and other partner locations in the Great Lakes and its waterways. We have even collected interesting items like children's toys, broomsticks, and a whole head of lettuce!
_edited.png)
TARGETS PLASTIC: FLOATING NEAR DOCKS
LittaTRap
TARGETS PLASTIC: IN STORMWATER SYSTEMS
This catch basin basket is installed inside storm water drains and prevents litter from entering the waterways. The most common item we collect in LittaTraps are cigarette butts!
​
What other debris types do we collect in these traps?
BeBot
TARGETS PLASTIC: ON BEACHES AND SHORELINES
This beach cleaning robot sifts sand and substrates to remove plastic debris from the environment.
​
Did you know? The GLPC has collected plastic from the shorelines of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan using the BeBot Technology. Plastic fragments, cigarette butts, and foam pieces are some of the most commonly found items!
PixieDrone
TARGETS PLASTIC: FLOATING IN WATERWAYS
This remote-controlled, mobile waste collector captures floating waste in our freshwater systems. We have just started using this technology in the Great Lakes and its waterways! Stay tuned for 2023 data!
