Um, what?

The first layer of the project would be a deep canal trench dug around Manhattan’s shoreline. The canal would be lined with shipping containers, filled with garbage, and hopefully sealed to prevent leaking. The team would sort the trash used, only depositing non-toxic, unrecyclable materials within the storage containers. The storage containers would act as a flood gate, holding storm surges back from reaching the shore during storms and floods.

via Architects Propose a Barrier of Garbage to Prevent Future Flooding in Manhattan | Inhabitat New York City.