Sydney Airport has launched a five-year plan in collaboration with environmental technology company Seabin to analyse, remove, and reduce plastic pollution in the waterways near the airport.
The plan aims to establish an evidence-based understanding of the pollution problem, setting a foundation for scaling the efforts across multiple locations and establishing new standards for waterway cleanup.
Focusing on using data-driven strategies, this initiative addresses the plastic pollution in urban waterways that poses a threat to local aquatic life and public health.
The core of the plan involves:
- Deployment of technology to categorise different types of litter found.
- Analysis of data to understand litter accumulation patterns.
- Collaboration with local councils, environmental groups, and the community to use this data for ecological actions.
- Open access data sharing to encourage broader public involvement and cooperation.
If successful, the project will expand to two locations along the Alexandra Canal before moving to the Cooks River.
Rhonda Lenardon, senior manager of environment at Sydney Airport, emphasised that the collaboration goes beyond simply collecting trash.
“It’s about turning action into evidence, harnessing technology, and working with the community to drive lasting environmental change,” added Rhonda.
The first phase of monitoring and data analysis at Engine Pond East will continue until the middle of next year.
- Recommended reading: Western Australian scientists launch ‘vanishing’ bioplastic.
