Plastics Industry Says Illegal Dumping and Bad Behaviour to Blame for Beach Litter
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
The Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch 2008 has found that litter on beaches is increasing with more than a third generated by the public. They claim plastic accounts for half the litter.
Peter Davis, Director General of the British Plastics Federation comments, “Illegal dumping at sea by ships, fishing boats and leisure craft is a major global problem. There are laws and fines to prevent this, but they are not working. The BPF would like to see on an international level more education and enforcement, tougher fines and the threat of imprisonment. We also feel it is essential that ports and marinas have better facilities for the reception and disposal of vessels’ waste.”
Regarding beach litter Peter Davis says, “Bad behaviour by those using beaches must be tackled. More beach litter bins and signage warning of litter fines are needed. Education in schools on this and litter prevention generally is also needed. ENCAMS (Keep Britain Tidy Campaign) Quality Coast Awards have achieved higher standards of UK beach management. More is needed.”
About Plastics in the Sea he remarks, “Most plastics articles float and therefore are visible. Other waste sits on the seabed. Plastics are inert and can be collected from beaches and either recycled or provide energy through energy from waste combustion.”
ENDS
For further information on this press release, please contact Anthony Roberts, British Plastics Federation, 6 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JE, tel 020 7457 5043, fax 020 7457 5045, email: [email protected]
1) British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry – representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers.
2) For more information on the BPF’s position on Used Plastics Litter in the Marine and Riverine Environments please click here.
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