Barrier on Matías Hernández River Captures More Than 27,000 Kilograms of Trash

More than 27,000 kilograms of rubbish have been pulled from Panama City's Matías Hernández River in the first quarter since a collection barrier began operating there. The barrier forms part of Siete Cuencas, a project led by the environmental organization Marea Verde to stop waste from continuing into the bay and then the sea.

Laura González, Marea Verde's executive director, said the river was often visibly filled with rubbish after rain before the barrier was installed. “In this Matías Hernández River alone, we have captured more than 27,000 kilograms of rubbish in the first quarter of operation,” she said.

Around 5,000 kilograms of the collected waste were Type 1 and Type 2 plastic bottles. Partners at Recicladora Nacional sent that material for recycling, keeping it out of the sea and away from the Cerro Patacón landfill, González said.

The barrier has also trapped a far wider range of debris: 193 balls, more than 200 refrigerators, 20 vehicle parts, helmets and large quantities of plastic foam. Foam poses one of the biggest challenges because it cannot be recycled and breaks into pieces that are difficult to collect.

Crews remove waste from the barrier every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marea Verde plans to extend the capture system to seven rivers in Panama City and called on residents to reduce waste and stop throwing rubbish into streets, streams and rivers, where rain can carry it into waterways.

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In this Matías Hernández River alone, we have captured more than 27,000 kilograms of rubbish in the first quarter of operation.