LittaTrap™ stops litter from Mainfreight site reaching Lake Ontario. 83% of litter counted was plastic.
As one of the world's leading logistics companies, Mainfreight operates more than 250 branches globally and is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through sustainable business practices.
To further support its environmental commitments, Mainfreight partnered with EnviroPod™ to install two LittaTrap™ catch basin inserts at its Burlington, Ontario distribution centre.
Located within the busy truck loading area, the LittaTrap™ systems were installed to intercept plastics, packaging materials, and other debris before they entered the stormwater network and ultimately Lake Ontario.
The project demonstrates how simple at-source stormwater treatment can help logistics and distribution facilities reduce plastic pollution while supporting corporate sustainability goals.
Loading docks and freight yards are recognised as high-risk areas for stormwater pollution.
With constant vehicle movements and goods being loaded and unloaded throughout the day, small pieces of packaging and other materials can be accidentally dropped onto hardstand surfaces.
During rainfall events, these pollutants can be washed into nearby storm drains where they are transported untreated into local waterways.
Mainfreight wanted a practical solution to:
Two EnviroPod™ LittaTrap™ systems were retrofitted into existing catch basins within the truck loading zone.
The LittaTrap™ captures litter, plastics, leaves, and gross pollutants at the storm drain before they enter the underground drainage network.
Designed for retrofit installation, the systems required no major civil works and could be maintained quickly by site personnel.
Maintenance is simple:
The trial was monitored over 89 days (approximately three months) to assess the quantity and type of pollutants being captured.
Despite being installed during the Canadian autumn, when large volumes of leaf litter were present, the LittaTrap™ units successfully captured a significant quantity of plastic pollution hidden amongst the organic material.
The monitoring confirmed that loading bays are significant hotspots for plastic pollution and highlighted the important role of stormwater treatment in preventing these materials from reaching waterways.
Mainfreight selected the LittaTrap™ because it offers a practical and cost-effective way to capture pollutants where they are generated.
Key benefits include:
By targeting pollution at the source, LittaTrap™ helps reduce the environmental impact of busy logistics facilities while improving stormwater quality.
The project highlighted the importance of addressing plastic pollution within freight and logistics operations.
The most common pollutant captured was polystyrene, a lightweight plastic frequently used for packaging and product protection.
Once released into the environment, polystyrene can break down into smaller fragments and contribute to long-term microplastic pollution in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
By intercepting these materials before they entered the stormwater system, Mainfreight helped protect Lake Ontario while supporting responsible environmental management across its operations.
The Burlington installation demonstrates that loading docks are key opportunities for preventing plastic pollution before it leaves industrial and commercial sites.
Over just three months, two LittaTrap™ units captured 135 pieces of litter, the majority of which was plastic packaging associated with freight operations.
For logistics companies seeking practical ways to improve environmental performance, LittaTrap™ provides an easy-to-maintain, retrofit solution that protects waterways while supporting broader sustainability commitments.
