Guatemala's Motagua River faces massive plastic pollution

The Motagua River in Guatemala has become a major environmental concern due to massive plastic waste flowing into the Caribbean Sea. To combat this, floating barriers and interceptor systems are being deployed to capture debris before it reaches the ocean.

One significant initiative is led by The Ocean Cleanup, which utilizes technology and heavy machinery to manage waste. In August 2024, the organization reported that its Interceptor 006 system, located on the Las Vacas River (a tributary of the Motagua), prevented more than 10 million kilograms—equivalent to over 10,000 tons—of waste from reaching the Gulf of Honduras.

The pollution stems from poor waste management and landfill issues within the river basin. During the rainy season, increased water flow can cause massive accumulations of trash, informally referred to as ‘trash tsunamis,’ to move rapidly through the river system.