Problem Definition
Many of Africa’s coastal lands and waterways are inundated with rubbish due to improper disposal methods. This mismanagement leads to clogged waterways and trash running into the ocean, eventually washing up on beaches. This environmental issue affects marine life, local communities, and the overall health of the ecosystem.
Proposed Solution: Trash Wheel Technology
The Trash Wheel is a cost-effective technology designed to intercept and remove trash from waterways before it reaches the ocean. This system can be adapted for various locations along Africa’s coastal areas and waterways at low cost.
Case Study: Mr. Trash Wheel in Baltimore
Mr. Trash Wheel, officially known as the Inner Harbor Water Wheel, is a successful implementation of trash interceptor technology. It was developed to remove trash from the Jones Falls River as it empties into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
How Mr. Trash Wheel Works:
- Containment Booms: Trash is funneled into the mouth of the wheel using containment booms with a 2-foot skirt, allowing trash to collect from below the surface.
- Raking Mechanism: Rotating forks rake litter onto a conveyor belt. The slow-moving conveyor belt can lift heavy objects such as tires, mattresses, and even trees.
- Water and Solar Power: A 14-foot wheel powers the rake and conveyor belt. If the current is insufficient, solar panels pump water onto the wheel to generate power.
- Trash Collection: Trash at the top of the conveyor belt falls into a dumpster on a floating barge, which is periodically emptied.
Additional Features:
- Remote Control: The water wheel can be controlled remotely via the Internet.
- Solar Panels: Solar panels on the roof provide additional power.
- Funding: Mr. Trash Wheel was constructed using $720,000 of public and private funding.
Implementation in Africa
Advantages:
- Low Cost: The Trash Wheel can be built and maintained at a relatively low cost.
- Scalability: The technology can be adapted for different sizes and types of waterways.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces the amount of trash entering the ocean, improving marine and coastal health.
Steps to Implementation:
- Site Assessment: Identify key locations along waterways and coastal areas where trash accumulation is most severe.
- Design Adaptation: Customize the Trash Wheel design to suit local conditions and types of waste.
- Funding and Partnerships: Secure funding through public, private, and international sources. Partner with local governments and environmental organizations.
- Construction and Deployment: Build and deploy the Trash Wheels at identified sites.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor and maintain the Trash Wheels to ensure effective operation.
Conclusion
Implementing Trash Wheel technology in Africa’s coastal areas can significantly reduce the amount of rubbish entering the ocean, improving environmental conditions and promoting sustainable waste management practices. This solution, inspired by the successful Mr. Trash Wheel project in Baltimore, offers a practical and scalable approach to tackling marine pollution.
