The Ocean Cleanup Expands Plastic Interception Project

KIA has long been dedicated to sustainable practices in building vehicles. The brand partners with multiple organizations that are working to provide a safe world for everyone. Most recently, KIA announced its expansion with The Ocean Cleanup to protect more coastal ecosystems by reducing plastic pollution.

KIA Plans to Intercept Plastic Waste

KIA is a global partner with The Ocean Cleanup, which has developed the initiative, 30 Cities Program. This program is dedicated to reducing global river plastic by one-third. Los Angeles is one of the cities in the project. KIA is expanding its operations to protect the biodiversity along the coastlines of the city. To achieve this goal, agreements have been signed with the city and county of Los Angeles to stop plastic from entering the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers.

When plastic enters these and other rivers, it often ends up in the ocean where it can harm ocean life and impact the ecosystems. The initiative is aimed at intercepting plastic waste before it reaches the rivers. According to a study performed by The Ocean Cleanup, rivers around LA end up with between 380 and 570 tons of plastic each year. Even though there are three million rivers in the world, just 1000 of them deliver almost 80 percent of plastic waste into the oceans.

During the study, The Ocean Cleanup developed a Smart Rivers Survey to determine pollution patterns. They used drones and cameras to gather information and create a solution strategy.

Using Technology to Clean Up the Rivers

Interceptor 007 is already in use in Ballona Creek after being approved by the LA County Board of Supervisors. It began its operating phase in 2024 and has already intercepted over 386,000 pounds of trash, keeping it off local beaches and out of the ocean. New deployments will add to the results with two new interceptor installations. These installations will monitor the three main waterways in Los Angeles. The goal is to have the project completed before the 2028 Olympic Games are held in LA.

KIA has been a partner to The Ocean Cleanup since 2022 and has supported the organization’s efforts towards clean rivers and a safe ocean. The brand has long felt the responsibility to protect the communities it serves through various charitable efforts. The partnership with The Ocean Cleanup is built around finding scalable solutions to a serious and growing problem.

The goal of The Ocean Cleanup is to stop up to one-third of all plastic waste from entering rivers. The organization has set the goal to be achieved in all 30 cities by 2029. The expansion in Los Angeles sets a precedence for protection of the ocean on a city-wide scale. The initiative works with county and city leaders to achieve these goals, taking responsibility for the city’s trash and preventing it from entering another city and county through rivers that cross county lines.

Premier KIA of Carlsbad is proud to be part of a brand that cares for its customers, communities, and the global community. As we serve customers in San Diego, Vista, San Clementine, and all of California, we’re also committed to caring for those communities. If you want to buy your vehicles from a community-oriented brand, stop by the dealership to see our new KIA models or contact us to schedule a visit.