Fewer plastic wrappers and bottle tops are turning up on Australian beaches, with coastal litter down by more than one-third in a decade.
A 16% jump in areas completely free from plastic waste has also been recorded by the national science agency.
The CSIRO study surveyed inland, riverine and coastal habitats across six urban regions, recording lower levels of plastic pollution in Newcastle, Perth and the Sunshine Coast.
Hobart and Port Augusta recorded more litter than before, however.
CSIRO senior research scientist Denise Hardesty was heartened by an overall 39% reduction in plastic waste across Australia’s metropolitan coastlines.
“Although there are still areas for concern, it’s exciting to see a significant decrease in plastic pollution as people around the country are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of plastic waste on people, communities and wildlife,” she stated.
Food packaging and other plastics remain the most prevalent source of rubbish on beaches, and flexible plastics are particularly dangerous for wildlife.
The surveys help identify hot spots and inform waste management responses, CSIRO research scientist Steph Brodie said.
“We found that areas with intensive land use and socio-economically disadvantaged areas tended to have higher levels of debris,” she added.
Drink cans were the most common item found in Hobart, food wrappers in Port Augusta and cigarette butts in Newcastle, Perth and the Sunshine Coast.
Tasmania will launch a container deposit scheme in coming months, offering small refunds for certain types of bottles, cans, and cartons, like those already proving effective in a number of states and territories.
CSIRO has a goal of reducing plastic waste by 80% through its research and work with partners.
Surveying by not-for-profit conservation group Clean Up Australia found plastic was still the biggest polluter.
It also made up more than 80% of all litter collected by volunteers in the 2024 financial year.
For more news stories:
- Bust the Dust operation reaps big reward in Upper Hunter
- Hunter doctors escalate pressure on state government
- New headspace mental health service touted for Port Stephens
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
