This study addresses the rising issue of plastic pollution in surface water body, specifically investigating the efficiency of a passive floating litter trap in collecting plastic waste within the Ngong - Cai Khe canal basin in Can Tho city, Vietnam. A 5.7-meter passive floating litter trap was strategically deployed in the Ngong canal after a bend to maximize capture during low tide, with waste collected, weighed, and categorized over a six-day period from September 30 to October 5, 2024. The trap effectively captured a substantial amount of floating plastic waste, averaging 544.67 pieces and 28.23 kg per day. Non-recyclable items constituted 56% of the collected plastic by weight, predominantly low-value materials like foam and plastic bags. Conversely, recyclable items accounted for 44%, highlighting a notable recovery potential. These findings underscore the litter trap’s effectiveness in intercepting plastic waste from surface water body, support a comprehensive approach integrating scaled-up trap deployment, and enhanced community participation for sustainable urban water management