Tijuana River Trash Boom: Progress Update

Tijuana River Trash Boom: Progress Update

As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, sustainability is central to our mission. At Pure, we’re committed to protecting the environment through meaningful partnerships, conservation efforts, and proactive action.

In September 2024, we partnered with WILDCOAST to raise funds to build a trash boom (solid waste retention system) in Tijuana’s Matadero Canyon—a tributary of the Tijuana River near the border that ultimately flows into the Pacific Ocean.

Construction for this new trash boom in El Pato, Tijuana began in October 2024, and we’re thrilled to see the progress its already made in removing pollution from the environment.

Keep reading to learn more about our trash boom project and the incredible impact it’s made so far—all thanks to your generous donations!

 

WHY A TRASH BOOM?

Our trash boom project addresses the critical issue of marine debris runoff into the Tijuana River Watershed, which impacts San Diego waterways and ultimately flows to the Pacific Ocean. This pollution of trash, plastic, and sediment poses a significant threat to the health of nearby communities, marine wildlife, and delicate coastal and marine ecosystems. Trash booms help capture waste before it reaches waterways (and the ocean).

In 2021, WILDCOAST introduced Mexico’s first-ever solid waste retention system in Tijuana’s Los Laureles Canyon, which has already prevented over 225,000 pounds of trash from flowing into the Tijuana Estuary.

This second trash boom in Tijuana will prevent over 6,800 lbs of waste per month from reaching the ocean, expanding efforts to protect our communities and coastline.

 

MATADERO CANYON TRASH BOOM: PROGRESS SO FAR

Since its installation in October 2024, this new trash boom has effectively:

🌎 Recovered 3,851 lbs of tires

🌎 Removed 12,461 lbs of mixed plastics

🌎 Stopped 461 lbs of other types of waste from reaching the ocean

 

After removal, the pollution is sorted then reused, up-cycled or recycled if possible. In fact, an incredible 90% of recovered plastics are directed to recycling or reuse! ♻️

 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED 

Trash booms require ongoing maintenance to keep it sustained and effective. Your donation will go towards trash boom maintenance, including the hiring of community members to sort, upcycle and recycle the waste, community collection points, and education and outreach.

support our trash boom

About WILDCOAST:

Established in 2000, WILDCOAST is an international team dedicated to conserving coastal and marine ecosystems and addressing climate change through natural solutions. The non-profit organization works to support protected areas, advocate for stronger conservation policies, and engage communities in the stewardship of healthy, thriving oceans, coastlines, and wildlife in the USA and Mexico.