Patrons visiting the Toledo Skyway Marina at Glass City Metropark can spot a meaningful splash of blue rippling off the docks. On Monday, two Seabins were installed to reduce pollution from the Maumee River into Lake Erie. The partnership between Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful, Metroparks Toledo, and Ohio Sea Grant to install the bins highlights the region’s commitment to mitigating pollutants spreading throughout the lake’s vast ecosystem.
We proudly announce the installation of two Seabins at the Toledo Skyway Marina at Glass City Metropark. Similar to a pool filter, these floating litter collection devices are designed to skim off debris from the Maumee River, such as wrappers, cigarette butts, plastic bags, and bottles. Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful, Metroparks Toledo, and Ohio Sea Grant worked together to install the Seabins on Monday; these bins are securely attached to the marina’s main floating dock near Maritime Plaza at the National Museum of the Great Lakes.
Ohio Sea Grant’s Sarah Orlando remarked that these bins can collect microplastics, microfibers, petroleum-based surface oils, and detergents.
Adam Cassi, executive director of Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, said, “We try to catch as much litter as we can, and it makes sense that there would be a lot of water trash at a marina.”
The Clean Marinas program is an exemplary partnership, and Ms. Orlando expressed her appreciation for the marina’s involvement. The Metroparks staff provides vital maintenance to ensure the program’s long-term success. In addition, Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful has provided the Seabins that are necessary for the initiative. It is estimated that 2,500 tons of litter enter Lake Erie each year from the Maumee River, making this a crucial effort.
The Seabins, developed in Australia, are estimated to cost $8,000 each and are installed on a floating dock to stay level with the water. Utilizing minimal electricity, about as much as a pool pump, these receptacles can help reduce the amount of plastic waste entering waterways.
Ms. Orlando has installed Seabins at the Toledo Skyway Marina, Geneva State Park Marina, Catawba Island Club in Port Clinton, and Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain, with plans to install one at Put-in-Bay next spring. Through this initiative, Lucas County is proud to be making a positive impact on the environment.
In addition, Ms. Orlando is in contact with other states who already have Seabins installed to gain insight and guidance on the development of Ohio’s program. By analyzing the debris collected from the bins, her team will create educational programs that aim to reduce marine pollution by changing people’s behaviors. With this initiative, Lucas County is committed to keeping Lake Erie clean.
The Seabins recently installed at the Toledo Skyway Marina are poised to make a difference in the amount of litter entering Lake Erie from the Maumee River. Its installation results from the admirable collaboration between Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, Metroparks Toledo, and Ohio Sea Grant to keep our waterways clean. The marina’s involvement has also been commended as it has provided necessary maintenance to ensure its longevity. The Seabins are up and running and will soon start making the essential step to healthier bodies of water.
