A factual comparison of two passive netting approaches for capturing trash, floatables, and gross pollutants in stormwater conveyance systems.
Use this guide to prepare questions for both manufacturers. Final selection requires site-specific engineering.
StormX and TrashTrap both use flowing water and netting to capture debris without relying on powered mechanical collection. The clearest differences are in their published configurations, structural integration, materials, containment choices, access arrangements, and ongoing net-service model.
The project centers on an outfall, headwall, weir wall, or other concrete structure; stainless-steel hub material, replaceable external nets, custom dimensions, and direct access at the discharge point align with the site.
The project calls for an underground in-line precast module, an end-of-pipe module, or the manufacturer’s floating configuration; disposable net replacement, baskets, ground-level access, or an integrated hydraulic-relief approach aligns with the design.
| Decision factor | StormX™ | TrashTrap® | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published applications | End-of-pipe capture at concrete pipes, headwalls, weir walls, outfalls, and custom concrete configurations. | Published in-line underground, end-of-pipe, and floating module configurations. | Which configuration is actually proposed for this site? |
| Operating energy | Passive water flow drives debris into nets; no powered conveyor is required. | Manufacturer states passive water-flow energy drives pollutants into nets; no electricity is needed. | Confirm any auxiliary equipment or operational requirements. |
| Structural materials | Published stainless-steel hubs in Type 304 or Type 316, selected for fresh- or saltwater conditions. | Configuration-dependent; in-line modules are published as high-strength precast concrete chambers with internal components. | Request a complete material schedule and corrosion assumptions. |
| Capture media | Heavy-duty HDPE and polyester nets, with mesh options and replaceable net configurations. | Disposable mesh nets or screening baskets; several net-size combinations and optional sorption material are published. | Opening size, net volume, weight rating, replacement frequency, and disposal. |
| Published sizing | Storm Water Systems publishes standard hub sizes from 18 to 84 inches, with custom sizes available; nets start at five feet in length. | StormTrap publishes standard net storage sizes and site-specific configurations rather than one universal module size. | Obtain project drawings, design flow, storage volume, and maximum loaded weight. |
| High-flow behavior | Published models include full-capture, half-pipe weir, and weir configurations. Overflow and tailwater are identified as design considerations. | Manufacturer publishes hydraulic relief that passes flows exceeding design flow while containing debris. | Compare bypass elevation, head loss, backwater, tailwater, and failure-mode calculations. |
| Maintenance approach | Nets can be emptied using appropriate lifting equipment or managed by a crew, depending on system size, debris load, and access. | Manufacturer publishes surface-level net changeout for certain modules and offers replacement-net services. | Require a written inspection, cleanout, lifting, disposal, and emergency-response plan. |
| Visibility and footprint | Often installed visibly at the receiving end of a concrete outlet or weir structure. | In-line modules can be underground; end-of-pipe and floating configurations are also published. | Evaluate easements, aesthetics, access, crane reach, traffic control, and confined-space rules. |
| Customization | Storm Water Systems publishes custom StormX fabrication for nonstandard site conditions. | StormTrap publishes modular and site-specific design capabilities across several configurations. | Separate standard-product claims from the engineered proposal being bid. |
| Supporting services | Storm Water Systems provides manufacturing, installation, consulting, replacement components, and project support. | StormTrap publishes project design support, installation supervision, and ongoing net-replacement services. | Compare local support, response times, warranty, parts availability, and owner responsibilities. |
StormX attaches to concrete infrastructure at the point where stormwater and gross pollutants leave the conveyance system. Published configurations include full-capture, half-pipe weir, weir, and custom arrangements.
Storm Water Systems publishes Type 304 stainless steel for typical freshwater applications and Type 316 stainless steel for saltwater environments, paired with heavy-duty nets.
Published standard hub sizes range from 18 to 84 inches, with custom dimensions available. Final sizing depends on flow, debris, structural conditions, overflow, tailwater, and maintenance access.
The appropriate removal method depends on net size, loaded weight, access, and project conditions. The maintenance plan should define inspections, lifting equipment, crew requirements, and debris disposal.
StormX information: official StormX product page. Confirm current specifications with Storm Water Systems.
StormTrap publishes an underground precast in-line option, an end-of-pipe option, and a floating module. These configurations can result in materially different excavation, access, visibility, and structural needs.
Manufacturer materials describe disposable mesh nets or screening baskets and several net-size combinations. Optional sorption materials are also described in the guide specification.
StormTrap states that its hydraulic relief accommodates events above the design flow while retaining collected material. Project calculations should still be reviewed for the exact proposed configuration.
For applicable modules, StormTrap publishes ground-level net changeout and offers ongoing replacement-net service. Owners should verify frequency, transport, disposal, and total service cost.
TrashTrap information: official TrashTrap product page, official net-services page, and the manufacturer’s published guide specification. Confirm current specifications with StormTrap.
They overlap as passive netting-based gross-pollutant capture technologies, but their published configurations and structural arrangements are not identical. Compare the exact engineered proposals rather than relying only on category labels.
Capture depends on the proposed net or basket opening, hydraulic conditions, installation configuration, and maintenance state. Ask both manufacturers to document the opening size and performance basis for the project-specific system.
That depends on access, net weight, debris loading, lifting equipment, module configuration, crew procedures, and disposal. Require a maintenance demonstration or references from comparable owners.
Compare installed capital cost together with civil work, excavation, structural modifications, nets or baskets, inspections, lifting, labor, disposal, service agreements, and replacement components over the expected service life.
No trash-capture device should be represented as eliminating flood risk. The project engineer should review capacity, blockage scenarios, bypass or relief behavior, backwater, tailwater, and maintenance assumptions.
Send Storm Water Systems your drawings, outfall dimensions, flow information, debris concerns, photographs, access limitations, and maintenance goals for a project-specific discussion.
Talk with the Storm Water Systems teamThis page is an educational comparison based on publicly available manufacturer information. Storm Water Systems is not affiliated with StormTrap. TrashTrap® is a trademark of its respective owner. Specifications, services, approvals, and product configurations may change; verify all information directly with the applicable manufacturer. Nothing on this page substitutes for engineering review.