If you’ve spotted what might seem like an odd-looking V-shaped contraption floating in the Reedy River along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, chances are good you’re looking at an unsung hero of the Upstate waterways: ReWa’s first Bandalong™ Litter Trap. Manufactured by Storm Water Systems in Cleveland, Georgia and one of only 23 in the U.S., the low-impact structure is designed to capture litter before it flows farther downstream by using the current to guide debris into the trap, all while protecting wildlife and without hindering recreation.

“It doesn’t exactly blend into the natural surroundings,” laughs Chad Lawson, Director of Communications at ReWa, “but you could say the same thing about litter.” With over five 20-yard dumpsters of debris removed from the water and one year of a successful pilot program under the belt, the ReWa team is looking to what’s next—and more promising possibilities to come as data rolls in and other locations are considered.

“By 2025, we could see more plastic in our waterways than what’s currently in landfills,” adds Jennifer Simmons, Environmental Programs Coordinator. “So the impact that multiple litter capture devices (like the Bandalong™) could make is huge.” Take one look at what’s lodged in the trap, and the reality at hand—that there’s a lot more than water in our water—is eye-opening.

“Yes, tree limbs and other organic debris get caught in it, but the real problem is the tremendous amount of plastic and chemicals,” continues Simmons. “We’re talking pharmaceuticals, needles and pill bottles, petroleum and fertilizers, plastics that are so old they can’t be recycled. Even full tear gas canisters.” So, who would be doing this dirty work if ReWa didn’t step in? “Greenville County has a great program in place, but the problem is overwhelming—we could install five of these (the Bandalong™) across the county and still fill them up constantly. What a lot of people don’t realize is is that you can be in the Northern part of the county and see trash in the waterways today— and it’s the same trash you’ll see five years later in Lake Greenwood (Southern part of the county), where all these rivers and creeks ultimately flow into.”

Simmons estimates that the Bandalong™ captures about 85% of the debris that passes down river, but while the trap itself is helping move the needle, the ReWa team is absolutely clear on one thing: it’s not enough, and every single person in our community has an important role to play. The good news? It’s easier than you think to lend a helping hand—starting with simply paying attention to the items we leave in our yards.

“Part of my goal with this pilot program is to educate,” says Simmons, who is working with Lawson and the team to install informational signage along the Swamp Rabbit Trail where the Bandalong™ can be seen. “For instance, I love playing outside with my kids—shooting nerf guns at each other. We do our best to pick things up, but it never occurred to me that I’d be seeing those same little foam and rubber pieces wind up here in the litter trap. Of course we teach our children not to litter when we’re out in the world, but the unexpected problem is often the toys in our own yards. You don’t need to live on or near a waterway. Once it rains, everything ultimately ends up washing into the rivers and creeks, despite our best intentions. Barbie doll clothes, fast food cups, golf balls from the country club, you name it.”

Raising awareness of how to help protect a watershed environment like the one we’re proud to live in—and encouraging stewardship, from children to businesses—is at the heart of the pilot project. “We believe that this study has validated something all of us already know: our community needs to do everything it can to help protect the Reedy River,” says Joel Jones, ReWa’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is a serious environmental problem, and there are ways to help. Installing the litter trap was an opportunity for ReWa to educate the community on our mission by bringing to life what we do on a daily basis, cleaning the river in a more tangible and visible way.”

The ReWa team also hopes that the data they’re collecting can go on to inform further innovations and inspire local partnerships. “I’d love to see our community get involved—from initiatives with the businesses whose products end up here to volunteer days that help with waterway clean-up efforts,” smiles Simmons. “And there are so many possibilities with the technology alone. 15 years from now, we could see specific media or substrates added that are designed to capture or absorb petroleum, forever chemicals and other toxins. By sharing data on what we’re seeing and collecting, we’re potentially helping the manufacturer identify and develop what those additions could be.”

So the next time you’re on the Swamp Rabbit Trail near ReWa’s campus, keep an eye out for this oddlooking, hard-working trap and the team who maintain it. “We think, hey, if it catches people’s attention, that can help us get the message out,” says Lawson, looking over the beautiful Reedy River, where fish dart under the trap and otter footprints can be spotted. “The litter we’re collecting is representative of this community from top to bottom, and we need help from top to bottom.”

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