Kia and The Ocean Cleanup Expand Interceptor Network to Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Ahead of LA28 Olympics

The Ocean Cleanup and corporate partner Kia announced on May 15, 2026, the expansion of their plastic interception project in Greater Los Angeles, adding Interceptor systems to the Los Angeles River and the San Gabriel River in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The expansion builds on Interceptor 007, already operational in Ballona Creek, which has prevented approximately 386,945 lbs (175,507 kg) of trash from entering the Pacific Ocean since deployment. The broader Los Angeles river network emits an estimated 380–570 tonnes of plastic per year into the Pacific Ocean, making the urban waterway system one of the most significant plastic sources on the U.S. West Coast. The project has secured backing from LA County officials, the City of Long Beach, and the City of Seal Beach. The announcement is part of The Ocean Cleanup's 30 Cities Program — a global initiative targeting one-third of riverine ocean-bound plastic by 2030 through Interceptor deployments in the world's 30 most plastic-polluting urban waterways.