What they do
The Ocean Cleanup, founded by Boyan Slat, operates the Interceptor program targeting the world's most polluting rivers before plastic reaches the ocean. Their 30 Cities initiative places autonomous trash collection barges in urban waterways across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Interceptors are solar-powered, operate 24/7, and can collect up to 100,000 kg of waste per day. The organization estimates that targeting 1,000 rivers could intercept 80% of river-borne ocean plastic.
Why they matter
Roughly 80% of ocean plastic enters through rivers, making river interception the highest-leverage cleanup strategy. The Ocean Cleanup's Interceptors provide a proven, scalable technology that works in the world's most polluted waterways. The 30 Cities program focuses on urban areas responsible for a disproportionate share of riverine plastic, and partnerships with local governments ensure collected waste enters proper recycling or disposal streams.
How to support
Donate through theoceancleanup.com. Purchase products made from intercepted ocean plastic. Follow their tracker showing real-time plastic collection across all Interceptor sites. Advocate for river cleanup infrastructure funding in your region.
Key project to explore
Interceptor 005 in the Klang River, Malaysia, which has collected over 1 million kilograms of waste since deployment. The Klang River was previously one of the most polluted waterways feeding the Strait of Malacca.