We analysed more than 7,800 plastic waste on the island's coastline

The Alianza Plastic Free Menorca, promoted by Menorca Preservation and with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment of the Government of the Balearic Islands, has carried out an exhaustive analysis of the plastic waste present on the Menorcan coast.

The study, which was carried out between August and December 2024, has made it possible to identify the magnitude of the plastic pollution problem on the island. Thanks to 9 field trips, in which 169 volunteers participated, a total of 7,804 plastic waste, adding 166.8 kg, have been collected and characterized.

This analysis has not only served to visualize the problem, but also to collect valuable data that will allow the design of reduction strategies and raise awareness among the population about the impact of plastics on marine ecosystems.

The most frequent plastics on the Menorcan coast

During the collections, the most common waste on the beaches of Menorca has been identified. The top 5 most found plastics has been:

🔹 Plastic caps and caps: 2,248 pcs
🔹 Laminated plastics: 1,999 units
🔹 Polystyrene fragments (<50 cm): 770 unit

 🔹 Fishing nets and waste: 719 units
🔹 Lollipop sticks and cotton buds: 466 units

This waste comes largely from fishing, tourism and single-use packaging. In some areas, plastics were found with inscriptions in different languages, suggesting that some of the pollution comes from the sea and not just from local activity.

Methodology and activities carried out

For the classification of the waste, the methodology of the European program Ocean Initiatives has been followed, adapting it to the characteristics of the Menorcan coast. In addition, the study has included:

✅ 9 field trips with schools, social entities and local population.
✅ Detailed classification of waste into more than 45 categories.
✅ Analysis of the origin of plastics, differentiating between those that come from the sea and those of terrestrial origin.
✅ Incorporation of the data into a database, allowing future comparisons and studies.
✅ Educational sessions for schoolchildren, with graphic material on the impact of waste on marine fauna.

Equipment and materials purchased

To improve efficiency in waste collection and analysis, specific tools and materials have been acquired, including:

✔ 20 telescopic grippers for non-direct contact waste collection.
✔ 2 vacuum cleaners for microplastic collection.
✔ 2 telescopic sieves to analyze smaller waste.
✔ Reusable baskets to facilitate waste collection.
✔ 2 scales for accurate waste weight measurement.
✔ Special gloves for children, encouraging their participation safely.

This equipment has made field trips more effective and safer for both technicians and participants.