Chicago Trash Trap Network
Trapping, Tracking, and Thwarting Litter in the Chicago Region
Trash Trap Team
Our new Trash Trap Team effort is largely being funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, which focuses on addressing the impacts of marine debris on our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes. Our team includes:
- Loyola University Chicago, Professor Tim Hoellien, Ph. D.*
- Chicago Park District
- Friends of the Chicago River*
- McKinley Park Development Council*
- Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization*
- Shedd Aquarium
- Urban Rivers*
- Wendella Cruises Chicago
*Receiving funding through NOAA grant
The expansion of trash traps grew from the success of the first trash trap in the Chicago River at Wendella Cruises and the Wrigley Building, with support from Friends of the Chicago River and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Marcelino Garcia.
Our first trash trap collected litter in the river for three years. This helped us learn that much of the trash we find is plastic, especially fragments, food and drink packaging, and smoking-related materials. The successful teamwork between project partners gave us the confidence and evidence needed to obtain funding to expand the network to many more sites.
Our emerging local network is also part of the International Trash Trap Network, led by Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto Trash Team, contributing data and sharing information across this global network.
Trapping Trash
The team will install and maintain 11 trash traps – passive litter catchment devices – in the Chicago River and Lake Michigan Harbors.
Tracking Trash
A key component of trap maintenance involves studying the types and sources of litter to help develop strategies for preventing plastic pollution, the most prevalent type of trash.
Students at Loyola University Chicago are trained in research methods to properly categorize and analyze trash, fostering the next generation of scientistis and environmental leaders.
Thwarting Trash – Outreach and Awareness
The team will engage local residents about the project, its findings, and individual and systemic actions to address the problem of litter and plastic pollution in our waterways. Including through:
- Community events and talks
- Community paddles
- Community-informed signage for all traps
- New exhibit at Friends’ McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
- New lessons incorporated into Friends’ Chicago-Calumet River Schools Network
