“This innovative technology helps protect our environment and strengthens the ecosystem by removing debris from the water,” said director Saladino.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that the town’s Department of Environmental Resources has returned the floating trash catcher technology called “Collec’Thor” to Tarpon Wharf. The Collec’Thor, provided to the town by the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk last summer through a grant from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, is a silent motorized waste collector that attracts and engulfs all solids floating on the water’s surface or liquid waste.
“This innovative technology helps protect our environment and strengthens the ecosystem by removing debris from the water,” said director Saladino. “I am grateful to all the local environmental organizations who have assisted the town in implementing this environmentally friendly technology, which collects up to 220 pounds of floating trash in one cycle. Through partnership with Cornell Extension, Friends of the Bay, Waterfront Center and Oyster Bay /Cold Spring Harbor Conservation Commission, we will continue to work together to improve the quality of our waterways and protect our environment.”
As Collec’Thor returns to the waterway this spring, students from Bethpage High School come to participate in marine debris removal and data collection. The town continues to look for more volunteers to help with future collections and data collection.
“Our environmental ambassadors are a key factor in the success of this program. After the debris is collected, volunteers help analyze and track the recovered items. Students who help with this process receive volunteer time and certification for their efforts,” Director Saladino said. “We thank the Bethpage School District for their participation and hope their field trip will inspire them and others to volunteer this summer.”
Collec’Thors are the latest in marine litter collection technology and have been identified as the most efficient litter collectors available for marine and coastal use. They are specifically designed to treat solid and liquid waste, including plastic bottles, cigarette filters and packaging, microplastics and hydrocarbons. The technology uses a small pump to suck in the surrounding water and skim any floating trash into its container. The mechanism adjusts with the tides and is easily secured to a floating dock or beachfront location.
Photo Credit: Town of Oyster Bay
