Litter, plastics, and microplastics are contaminating the Yarra’s waters, making the Yarra one of the largest contributors of litter into Port Phillip Bay. We work towards proactively researching the sources and flows of litter, as well as litter management activities.
To date, we have removed approximately 38,000 kg of polystyrene contaminated soil and general waste from the Yarra’s riverbanks and reedbeds. While removal of litter will benefit our waterways by preventing the spread of plastics along the River and into the Bay, we also conduct research to better understand the extent of litter and pollution in our River and what we need to do to tackle the threat of litter on the Yarra.
We're expanding on our initial research of polystyrene pollution to gain a better picture of the sources of polystyrene pollution and the reduction strategies and efforts we can use to combat them!
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The use of single-use plastics, improper waste management, inadequate waste treatment, and littering has led to large volumes of plastic pollution entering the Yarra & Port Phillip Bay.
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The Yarra River is the biggest litter contributor to the bay. We hold regular clean-up blitzes to target this litter and microplastic destroying the city’s waterways.
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Through our Litter and Flows and the Yarra River Blitz projects, we identified polystyrene (particularly EPS), as the most prevalent and pervasive litter item in the Yarra River.
READ MORELove the Yarra? Together, we can protect it. Join the Yarra Riverkeeper Association today or support us!