Design of River Floating Trash Traps Using Recycled Plastic Bottles and Characterization of Waste Collected in Odiongan, Romblon Philippines

Abstract

Accumulation of solid waste from rivers that hinder the quality and life below water is one reason for this pollution. Rivers and creeks in the Municipality of Odiongan are used as solid and liquid dumping sites, resulting in water pollution. In addition, the municipality also generates tons of waste every month. This project aims to design floating trash traps installed in the municipality's three (3) rivers, specifically Bangon River, Gabawan River, and Poctoy River. These plastic-made traps are strategically placed in rivers and streams to stop solid waste from floating further downstream without hampering aquatic life movements. The materials used in the proposed design consist of plastic bottles, poultry net, and nylons. Fieldwork was done at the rivers and characterized the collected wastes by their wet weight. The floating trash traps generated a total of 285.76 kilograms. A total of 68% (193.08 kilograms) of biodegradable waste were collected, consisting of leaves, twigs, driftwoods, and coconut husk. 14% (40.57 kilograms) of trash were gathered for recyclable, containing plastic bottles and cans. 12% (33.66 kilograms) is residual waste (plastic packaging, Styrofoam, miscellaneous plastics, cigarette butts, and mainly heavily soiled plastics), and 6% (18.45 kilograms) is special waste, mostly bulky waste from construction and logs were accumulated. The trash traps can hold 28.58 kg of solid waste for 5-days and 2.09 kg, 1.82 kg, and 1.8 kg per day for Trap 1, Trap 2, and 3, respectively. In conclusion, the design of the floating trash traps has been proven as a potential solution for collecting marine wastes, particularly in rivers.