Asheville’s Trash Trout 2.0 Initiative Leads Efforts for Cleaner Waterways

Asheville Implements Effective Solutions for Waterway Cleanliness

In the charming city of Asheville, nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina, a dedicated initiative is making waves—quite literally! If you’ve taken a stroll, jogged, or simply enjoyed a sunny day near the sparkling waterways in this area, you may have noticed the unfortunate presence of litter. From plastic bottles to other forms of debris, our lovely water sources can easily become cluttered vessels of pollution. But thanks to the innovative efforts of Asheville GreenWorks, a commitment to a cleaner community is flowing strong.

Introduction of Trash Trout 2.0

Nearly a decade ago, Asheville GreenWorks began experimenting with creative solutions to tackle the issue of aquatic litter. Recently, they’ve rolled out their latest and improved floating containment booms, affectionately known as Trash Trout 2.0. With much more than just functionality in mind, these devices also serve as educational tools for the community. “Our Trash Trouts are often installed in visible, public areas and can act as a tool for education and advocacy in the community,” says Megan Ward, the marketing and development director.

The original Trash Trout was designed in 2016, and the first model found a welcoming home in Hendersonville, where it began its significant role in filtering litter from Mud Creek. Thanks to dedicated efforts from local volunteers known as StreamKeepers, over 10,000 pounds of trash have been collected and removed from the creek to date.

How the Trash Trouts Work

What makes these devices particularly special is their thoughtful design. They float in strategic spots along waterways, allowing water to pass through while trapping the trash. This setup ensures that aquatic life is not harmed. Volunteers regularly clean out the traps, making sure they operate effectively. Asheville’s stormwater director, Michael S. Huffman, emphasizes the importance of community involvement, stating, “The Trash Trout has allowed our Stormwater Program to engage residents through volunteer opportunities and serves as an educational tool to spark conversations about the impacts of single-use plastics.”

Upgraded Features of Trash Trout 2.0

The new Trash Trout 2.0 comes with notable enhancements. Built with channel aluminum instead of galvanized steel, these traps are not only stronger but also have a longer working life. The design optimizes their ability to navigate over woody debris, minimizing the risk of log jams. Plus, they feature a “free flow” mode that enables them to switch off in times of major flooding, and newly designed pontoons extend their lifespan significantly.

These locally crafted traps are available at a competitive price point—around $10,000 less than competing products—allowing more communities and nonprofits access to this innovative solution. Asheville GreenWorks is focused on placing these traps in our waterways rather than on turning a hefty profit. “Each installation comes with its unique challenges,” says Ward, “so our staff is there to provide guidance and advice for effective placement.”

Wider Impact Beyond Asheville

Since the initial launch in Hendersonville, the initiative has expanded dramatically. A total of 47 additional Trash Trouts, including a smaller version known as Trash Trout Jr. for tighter urban spaces, have found homes across six states, with Boone being one of the latest adopters. “These devices are like having crews of volunteers cleaning our rivers 24/7,” says George Santucci, sustainability manager for Boone. “We receive compliments from people using the greenway whenever we clean them out.”

In Beckley, West Virginia, three Trash Trout Jr.s have already made a significant impact, collectively capturing a staggering 327 pounds of trash since their installation just this past February. This suggests that the more we can intercept litter before it breaks down into microplastics, the better for our ecosystem.

Get Involved!

As Asheville GreenWorks continues to inspire and empower communities, there’s a role for everyone to play. If you’re interested in becoming a StreamKeeper volunteer, don’t hesitate to reach out to them! Training sessions are being held and waiting for enthusiastic volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

To stay in the loop and discover how you can contribute toward cleaner waterways, the Asheville community is encouraged to visit AshevilleGreenWorks.org. Here’s to clean trails, clearer waters, and a vibrant community effort to tackle the litter problem, one Trash Trout at a time!