Defence uses Seabin technology to help clean Sydney Harbour

Trials of new Seabin Smart Technology at Defence sites in Sydney Harbour have seen the removal of 2,920kg of plastic, fuels and detergents from Harbour waters in the past 12 months and plans are now underway to expand the technology.

The Seabin trial has been removing 140kg of waste per week, including one item of plastic on average every 40 seconds. Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said the Defence trial had exceeded all expectations and that three permanent units would be maintained at Garden Island.

“Over a two-week period, the Seabins captured 6,198 items of waste from Sydney Harbour, including 3,500 microfibres and microplastics, and 2,000 unidentifiable pieces of plastic waste,” she said. “This is Australian technology which costs as little as $1 a day to run and which can have huge dividends for the environment.”

“We have made waste and recycling a national priority and it is one that requires us all to get involved,” said Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley. “The Remade in Australia recycling campaign is an important reminder of the role consumers can play as we transform the nation’s recycling capacity and take responsibility for our waste.

“Industry is certainly stepping up at the same time and innovative technology like the Seabin is another important example.”

Background

Plastic items collected over a two-week period: