Saving our Seas – The Seabin Project

Our series on ocean pollution solutions has already looked at the different kinds of pollution and the Ocean Cleanup project. For part 3, we’re going to explore the Seabin Project and discover what it can do, and what it already has done for our environment…

What is a Seabin?

Invented by Australian surfers, Pete Ceglinski and Andrew Turton, the Seabin is a floating rubbish bin located in the water at marinas, docks, yacht clubs and commercial ports. The bin isn’t suitable for open water, though, as it can’t withstand the waves.

The Seabin can catch around 1.5kg of floating debris a day, including microplastics as small as 2mm. That’s a whopping 500kg of rubbish every year. The catch bag can hold up to 20kg of rubbish, too, so it doesn’t need to be emptied every day.

However, it’s advised that the bin is checked twice a day to ensure it is performing properly, without any blockages. The Seabin also needs to be cleaned at least once a month and emptied as and when it’s necessary.

Saving sea life

The primary purpose of the Seabin is to protect the ocean and all its inhabitants from harmful pollution. To protect sea creatures, the bin’s suction device sits on the surface of the water, preventing fish from being sucked in.

The device not only removes plastic waste from the oceans but can also remove oil and detergents from the water too. Plastic bottles, bags, crisp packets, cigarette butts and plastic straws are all making their way into our oceans in abundance. The Seabin can suck some of the harmful rubbish out of harbours and marinas, making it a safe haven for sea life.

What’s the solution?

With millions of sea creatures, birds and ecosystems being killed and destroyed every year, we need to act to prevent further damage to our much-needed oceans. The Seabin is just one step towards a cleaner ocean. But much more is needed.

The focus needs to lie on reducing the amount of waste making its way to the ocean, rather than removing it once it gets there.

In our next post, we focus on 4ocean – a bracelet made almost entirely from recycled materials that is sold to fund ocean cleanup projects. Alternatively, check out our article on the best way to clean up flooded lakes and reservoirs.