top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Innovative new waste capture device installed in Marseille’s Old Port

The system captures rubbish headed for the sea after rainfall and works with objects as small as cigarette butts. It can also measure water quality

The D-Rain system at Marseille’s Old Port Pic: BD2 WALLIS-7068

Marseille’s Old Port has seen the installation of an innovative new waste capture device that intercepts rubbish destined for the sea.

The ‘D-Rain’ system is the product of local startup Green City Organisation, which aims to fight water pollution in the Mediterranean.

The organisation says that 80% of sea pollution comes from land and that “with each major rainfall event, coastal cities discharge waste, plastics and other emerging pollutants directly into the sea via land and underwater stormwater outfalls, like a flush”.

Its founder, Isabelle Gerente, said: “You don’t have to be a biologist to see that the waters are polluted”.

Water quality can also be tested

She said the concept [of the D-Rain system] is simple:  it consists of a net connected to both offshore and onshore water outlets that is able to capture waste as small as 5mm.

The net has a volume of 10m³ and will need to be emptied ten times a year.

The system is able to alert when the net is full so that the water flow can be released and the net can be emptied.

Sensors on the system are also able to measure the quality of the water, collecting data on factors such as acidity, turbidity and levels of oxygen.

The first system was installed in Marseille on December 14 for a planned period of 18 months, during which the performance of the system will be measured, taking into account the seasons and rainy episodes.

Hopes for expansion to Italy and Spain

However, Mrs Gerente said that she hopes the system will be installed all along the Mediterranean coast, including in neighbouring countries Italy and Spain.

Within five years, the organisation aims to recover the equivalent of what France discharges into the Mediterranean - 11,000 tonnes of waste per year.

So far, it has been recognised by various institutions and received multiple awards, including the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Award 2021 and the Special Jury Prize in the EDF Pulse 2021 competition (Biodiversity and Nature Protection category).

Related articles

Green news France: Pollution study plants city trees, Eco-hotels boom

French town urges dog owners to clean up pet mess with fake €10 notes

More than 200,000 trees being planted for future forest outside Paris

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France