High-tech Floating Seabins

Ards and North Down set to become the first UK council to clear up rubbish along its coastline using high-tech floating seabins.

20:22 22 September 2018

Ards and North Down is set to spend £30,000 on floating seabins to address the growing problem of rubbish along its coastal harbours and marinas. The high-tech floating seabins are designed to collect rubbish from the surface as they move up and down with the tide, trapping debris in the process.

 

Stephen Addy, head of the council’s regulatory service, said: "This is a global issue and one that affects all council areas along the coast. It's an issue we're determined to take seriously."

 

"Already we have an army of volunteers tackling litter issues on beaches and around our towns, but the sea was a barrier we haven't been able to tackle properly until now.

 

"We hope we're showing a clear intent to tackle the issue of litter, no matter where it is.

 

"The next step is to have the purchase ratified at council, then get the bins up and running.

 

"We will have to look at the best locations for them."

 

DUP councillors Alastair Cathcart and Tom Smith said they had been pressing for the bins for some time.

 

Mr Cathcart said: "This is a small step in tackling a massive problem, but I am pleased that the council is going to play its role in this way. As the council is trying to sell Bangor and the borough as a coastal destination, it is important that we look after the marina and the coastline and ensure that it is looking its best.

 

"Once the bins are in place, we hope to see a substantial volume of coastline litter collected."