Los Angeles River garbage boom. Cranes picking up garbage debris after first rain of the season. The Garbage boom on the Los Angeles River in Long Beach was built in 2001. Urban runoff carries an assortment of trash and debris from catch basins where a network of pipes and open channels create a pathway to the Ocean. The man made debris can include plastic bags and bottles, Styrofoam cups, cans, tires, and household furniture. After the first major storm of the season, the boom may collect over 50,000 pounds of trash.