Chicago River TrashTrap Project
A Cleaner Chicago River
A floating litter-capture system helping remove debris from the Chicago River and support cleaner waterways for the community.
About the Project
Installed in the Main Stem of the Chicago River, StormTrap’s floating TrashTrap helps capture floating litter at the water’s surface in a highly visible urban river setting. The project supports a broader effort to improve the health and appearance of the river while creating more awareness around litter prevention and waterway stewardship.
The Chicago River TrashTrap project is made possible through collaboration among project leaders, site partners, and organizations committed to improving the health of the river. StormTrap is proud to provide the floating TrashTrap technology as part of that broader effort, alongside local partners helping bring visibility, support, and community connection to the project.
How It Works
StormTrap’s floating TrashTrap uses a pontoon-supported structure that remains at the water level. Funnel and side curtains help guide floating trash and debris into durable nylon nets, where the material can be captured and removed.
Because the system is prefabricated and designed for changing water conditions, it is well suited for urban waterway applications. The floating module is also designed to accommodate high storm events while providing a practical, surface-level trash capture solution.
More Than Trash Capture
Projects like this do more than remove litter from the river. They also help support education, awareness, and long-term improvement efforts by making the problem more visible and easier to understand.
Captured material can also provide useful insight into the types of debris entering the waterway. Over time, that kind of information can help inform outreach, cleanup priorities, and future litter-reduction strategies.
Built Through Collaboration
The project reflects a collaborative effort among organizations and leaders working to improve the health and experience of the Chicago River. StormTrap is proud to support that effort with its floating TrashTrap technology, alongside project partners helping advance river stewardship and community engagement.
Project Partners
Friends of the Chicago
Wendella
Loyola University
Learn more about TrashTrap
StormTrap’s TrashTrap solutions are designed to capture floatables, trash, and debris in a range of stormwater and waterway applications, including floating-module configurations like the Chicago River project.
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