The trash trap has been functioning for about three and a half years now. During that time the trap has captured countless bags of trash. During 2007 we have had an extended drought, so we have not had to clean out the trash often. Today was the first time this fall that the trap needed to be cleaned out. Today’s haul included 18 beer cans, which are now going to be recycled rather than going downstream and getting buried in sediment. Recycling 18 aluminum cans saves about 5 kWh or energy; enough energy to power a typical home for 2 or 3 hours. Of course there were also many, many plastic bottles.
A multitude of plastic bottles in the creek mixed with the leaf litter
One thing that I have noticed over the past three and a half years is the large amounts of polystyrene (Styrofoam) that gets washed into Sligo Creek every time it rains. Most of the polystyrene breaks up into a multitude of tiny pieces and is difficult to remove. Not only is this a permanent visual blight on creek, but it is ingested by aquatic wildlife, frequently causing death. The polystyrene industry says it is not practical to use biodegradable alternative. That may be the case, but it would be nice if the industry group would take some responsibility by helping clean up the mess.
The always present polystyrene pieces in Sligo Creek caught in the trash trap. Remove the leaves and plastic bottles and you will find a mat of organic materials, polystyrene bits and cigarette butts.
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