Whitehaven has become a green leader in Europe thanks to pioneering technology installed in its marina.
The seventh SeaBin has been placed in the marina, thanks to Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project – making it mainland Europe’s biggest SeaBin site.
Created by Australian-based surfers, SeaBins collect floating rubbish, debris and oil by filtering surface water. They run 24 hours a day and each bin is capable of capturing around 20kg before needing to be emptied.
Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project already secured the installation of six units which its members regularly help to promote and build awareness of them and how they operate within the marina.
The SeaBins are also capable of collecting both micro and macro plastics and can be equipped with a specialist absorbent pad to absorb petroleum-based surface oils and detergents.
Stephen Walter, of the Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, said: “The installation of these powerful units was driven by the youngsters in Whitehaven, who were wanting to do more for the environment in their hometown.
“The harbour and marina are a huge part of life in Whitehaven, so it was a natural choice to start a project there. With such a huge focus on plastics and the health of our ocean, the SeaBin project is also a great opportunity for local schools to learn more about pollution and the things that can be done to help.
“It gives children a first-hand experience of just some of the ways in which plastics and litter are harming their environment, and to have a first-hand view of the environment and what can be done to help. It also helps children consolidate their existing knowledge and build a better connection with the area that they live in.”
An Instagram video was shared by Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project showing their SeaBins in action, racking up 12.4 million views and gaining global recognition for the pioneering piece of technology on the Cumbrian harbour.
Stuart Dunnett, project director at Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, added: “This project has been expanded from one SeaBin in late 2019 funded by the Co-op to an additional six funded by Sellafield Ltd SiX – social impact multiplied, which has been amazing to be part of and to witness the effect more SeaBins have on the marina environment and build awareness locally.”
Stuart McCourt, social impact manager at Sellafield Ltd, said: “The SeaBins project is a great example of the crucial role that young people can play in identifying and addressing issues within their communities. Not only did they identify the bins as a way of removing existing rubbish from the water but there’s also an educational programme aimed at reducing the amount of rubbish that enters the water in the first place too.”
