Balearic coastline cleaning service withdraws over 6.000 kilos of waste in July

Mallorca has the most volume of withdrawal (3.656,70 kg), followed by Ibiza (1.265,65 kg), Menorca (1.135,60 kg) and Formentera (421,60 kg).

During the month of July, the coastline cleaning service managed by Ports de les Illes Balears (PortsIB), entity dependant of the Sea and Water Cycle Board, has withdrawn a total of 6.479,55 kilos of waste of the coasts of the Balearic Islands, with a daily number of 209,02 kilos. The task is carried out by 23 boats, distributed in two categories according to the zone of work; the beach type boats, which sail in not very deep areas, and the coast type, which can get far up to 5 miles from the coast. 

Mallorca has concentrated the major part of the retired waste, with 3.656,70 kilos, followed by Ibiza, with 1.265,65 kilos; Menorca, with 1.135,60 kilos; and Formentera, with 421,60 kilos. Regarding the distribution in terms of the type of boat, beach ones have recollected 4.198,15 kilos, while the coastal ones have withdrawn 2.281,40.

Regarding the composition of the waste, almost half of it belongs to plastics (47,69 %), followed by wood (36,66 %), organic waste (7,05 %), nature (5,77 %), oil (0,32 %) and other diverse materials (2,51 %).

In addition to the ordinary recollection, during the month of July special works have been carried out to face different situations. In Mallorca, two boats have been towed, a turtle has been rescued and a fuel dispersion has been withdrawn; in Menorca, a fuel dispersion has also been withdrawn alongside plastic barrels; in Ibiza, two drifting pedalboats have been towed; and in Formentera, a lounger, a parasol and a wheel have been recollected.

During this period six warnings have been attended, four in collaboration with Maritime Rescue and 112 emergency services, and two more with institutions or individuals.