The Ocean Cleanup is set to install its first Interceptor barrier in the Philippines, with deployment planned for the Meycauayan River by June 2026. The project marks the group’s first on-the-ground rollout in the Manila Bay area.
The barrier will replace an existing trash trap and is expected to improve the capture of plastic waste before it flows into Manila Bay. Estimates show the Meycauayan River system contributes around 370 to 540 tons of plastic waste each year.
The project is being carried out with the City of Meycauayan and its local environment office. For The Ocean Cleanup, it’s an initial step under its broader 30 Cities Program, which focuses on reducing plastic flowing from rivers into the ocean.
Founder and CEO Boyan Slat said the rollout is part of a longer effort to address river-based plastic pollution in the region. Meycauayan Mayor Henry Villarica said the partnership adds support to the city’s ongoing river rehabilitation work.
Across the Philippines, an estimated 20,000 to 33,000 tons of plastic enter the ocean annually. Within the Manila Bay region alone, projections range from 3,500 to 4,400 tons each year.
The Ocean Cleanup focuses on rivers as a key source of marine plastic, deploying Interceptor systems designed to collect waste before it reaches open waters. The Meycauayan project is expected to be the first of several deployments as the group expands its work with local governments and partners in the country.
More information is available at theoceancleanup.com.
