Baltimore Shoreline Cleanup – Harbor Waste Removal Project

Written By Dennis Litvak

Location

Baltimore, MD

Client

City of Baltimore – Department of Public Works

Year Started

2022

Scope

  • Manual and mechanical shoreline trash removal

  • Skimming of floating debris from stormwater discharge zones

  • Sorting and disposal of plastic waste, wood, and bulk debris

The Baltimore Harbor is a vital economic and cultural asset, but one challenged by years of stormwater-driven waste, floating debris, and shoreline trash. In support of the City’s Healthy Harbor Initiative, RemacUSA was contracted to remove accumulated trash from shorelines and inlets as part of ongoing harbor restoration efforts.

Services Performed

✅ Manual Shoreline Cleanup

Crews removed trash from riprap, seawalls, and vegetation-lined harbor edges using hand tools and nets.

✅ Floating Debris Skimming

Boat-based collection of floating plastics, styrofoam, and driftwood using pole skimmers and containment booms in hard-to-reach harbor corners.

✅ Sorting & Disposal

Recovered material was sorted for recyclable content and disposed of at city-approved transfer stations. Waste logs were submitted to the City for tracking.

✅ Public Safety Compliance

Operations were conducted in public-access areas, requiring high visibility PPE, flagging, and coordination with City Parks & Rec and DPW.

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge

High winds and tidal changes caused floating debris to shift rapidly, limiting access.

Solution

Crews adjusted schedules to high-tide windows, used floating booms to contain pockets of debris, and deployed grabber nets from piers and boats.

Materials Recovered

  • Plastic bottles and containers

  • Polystyrene (foam) products

  • Driftwood and vegetative matter

  • Tires, shopping carts, PVC pipe, and general litter

Final Outcome

RemacUSA’s efforts resulted in the removal of over 7 tons of debris from targeted shoreline areas, including plastic bottles, wrappers, wood waste, and bulk items like tires and shopping carts. The project directly contributed to the City’s stormwater permit goals and improved water aesthetics in high-traffic zones near Inner Harbor attractions.

City officials praised RemacUSA for our responsiveness, environmental focus, and operational professionalism.

Dennis Litvak
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