Beach waste leaves bitter taste

The data was collected by volunteers who entered their data into the LitterStopper app, which is also shared on the LitterStopper web page.

Dr Ross Headifen, co-founder of BeachPatrol Australia, said the collection statistics highlighted the urgent need for more targeted action.

“Our findings are clear: our coastlines are under threat and the time to act is now to ramp up our game when it comes to plastic litter and waste.

“The findings underscore the severity of the situation and the collective responsibility we share in preserving our coastal ecosystems.”

Dr Headifen said in the past few years the Victorian government has implemented bans on some superfluous single use plastic items such as plastic bags in supermarkets, straws, cotton buds, cutlery, plates and drink stirrers.

“While the ban on plastic bags and straws has made a big difference to those items being littered, the other items were not found in significant percentages,” said Dr Headifen.

“However, the BeachPatrol data shows more success could be achieved by considering these other items that are littered in substantial numbers.”

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