91TV

Key finding 1

To tackle plastic pollution and its negative consequences prevention, is, and should remain, the priority.

Over-emphasis on clean-up interventions could divert attention away from more systemic solutions focused on minimising plastic use, including investing in more benign and sustainable alternatives, and efforts to move to a circular plastic economy through effective reuse and recycling.

Key finding 2

Some amount of legacy plastic removal may be beneficial.

Particularly in environments that have high natural capital and / or social value, where the risks associated with clean-up activities are shown to be lower than the risks associated with leaving plastic in the environment.

Key finding 3

Priority areas for clean-up (hotspots) in the environment can be identified according to:

Particularly in environments that have high natural capital and / or social value, where the risks associated with clean-up activities are shown to be lower than the risks associated with leaving plastic in the environment.

1. the natural and social capital value of the area
2. the potential hazards that plastic pollution poses in this area
3. the feasibility and likely effectiveness of clean-up
4. the risk of negative consequences from clean-up

Key finding 4

Based on the range of options currently available, those that involve hand-picking litter from shorelines and / or intervene close to the source of plastic pollution are likely to be the most effective.

Key finding 5

The environmental impacts and cost effectiveness of clean-up technologies remain largely unknown.

To address this gap, efficacy and environmental impact assessments are required in the locations where the technology is to be deployed.