Overview on Ocean-bound plastic collection methodology in Europe – Desk research and information collection
This mini report provides an overview of ocean-bound plastic collection methods in Europe with a focus on collection methods in waterways for macro plastics.
The report explores four main methodologies for collecting marine litter: manual collection, booms/barriers, bins, and drones. Each method is described in detail, including its advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for different environmental conditions. The report then provides a decision tree for the most appropriate waste collection technology to help decisionmakers choose the most appropriate collection methods for the environmental conditions.
Despite the majority of marine litter sinking to the seabed, there is currently no mass-scalable technology for its collection. Developing such a technology appears far more complex than developing a device for collecting waste on the water surface, necessitating further research. This
emphasizes the need to raise public awareness and underscore the fact that the visible portion of the trash is just the tip of the iceberg.
The report also emphasizes that in general, reducing littering at its source is more effective than relying on collecting waste as an end-of-pipe solution.