Coastal cleaning collects 3% more waste in August on the Costa del Sol

The increase was recorded in almost all municipalities. In Torremolinos, it rose from 4.53 to 4.59 cubic metres, with more plastics and the presence of jerrycans, wood, and furniture. In Benalmádena, the volume increased from 6.79 to 6.88 cubic metres, with plastic growing by 4.22%; beach coolers, tyres, pallets, and foam were also found on the water's surface.

In Fuengirola, waste increased from 3.75 to 4.33 cubic metres, with plastic growing by 18.96%, along with reeds, wood, foam, and items left by bathers. In Mijas, it rose from 5.63 to 6.50 cubic metres, with plastics increasing by 17.24%.

The exceptions were Marbella and Estepona. In Marbella, waste fell from 10.23 to 9.58 cubic metres, although plastic increased slightly, and floaters, pallets, jerrycans, and cork boxes appeared. In Estepona, the volume decreased from 12.18 to 11.90 cubic metres, but plastic also grew in absolute terms.

The Consortium warns of the “constant presence” in Estepona of items that pose “a clear risk to nautical navigation and the coastal environment,” such as jerrycans, wood, and drifting buoys.

In Casares, the volume increased from 0.30 to 0.42 cubic metres, with plastic growing by 38.8%, alongside a “notable mix” of wood, algae, and leaves, as well as abandoned play items and water accessories. In Manilva, the increase was from 1.18 to 1.67 cubic metres, with a 40.81% rise in plastic and remains of vegetation, wood, and recreational items.

The Consortium attributes the increase to the higher influx of bathers and reminds that this waste poses a risk to navigation and the marine environment.