Australia has cut plastic waste on its beaches by almost 30% in 6 years. Here's how

Jun 16, 2022

A sign on a beach that says "I'm a beach, not an enormous ashtray, ok?"

Having bins that are easier to access has helped cut coastal litter in Australia. Image: The Conversation/Kathryn Willis, Author provided

Kathryn Willis

Marine Socioecologist, University of Tasmania

Britta Denise Hardesty

Principal Research Scientist, Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, CSIRO

Joanna Vince

Senior lecturer, University of Tasmania

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These type of local government actions encourage the public to dispose of waste properly through economic incentives. Image: The Conversation/Kathryn Willis

An infographic showing how local interventions can reduce plastic pollution in the environment.

Local interventions reduce plastic pollution in the environment. Image: The Conversation/Author supplied

We found less plastic pollution in areas encouraging participation in clean-ups. Image: The Conversation/Kathryn Willis

A close view of common types of litter found along Australia’s coastline.

Common types of litter found along Australia’s coastline. Image: The Conversation/Kathryn Willis

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