Types of plastic that we often find on local beaches

Plastic comes in many forms, the most common types found on our beaches are:

Beach waste collected on one outing

Fishing Waste:

Creels are covered in plastic. They are dipped in plastic and you will often find long black tubes which are covered in rust on the inside. These have fallen from the creels once they have rusted or broken. Netting that covers the creels. Creel hooks are also found - if you do find a creel hook you can repurpose it as a wheelie bin closer. Very handy. Mussel Spikes (bottom right of picture above - black spikes) used in the ropes that mussels are grown on. Rope Cuttings - very common. Short pieces of rope that have been cut. Ropes - various sizes used in the fishing industry. Nets - various sizes - if you find a big net in Caithness, let us know and we will do our best to remove it.

Farm Waste:

Tyres - used to weigh down the silage covers, often find their way to the sea. Plastic from bales Containers used for licks, etc., often re-purposed as animal feed bins, or lick bins.

General (domestic) Waste:

Water bottles, milk bottles, any plastic bottles. We find a lot of plastic bottles and lids. Lids can be particularly dangerous as birds mistake them for food. :( Shotgun cartridges and wadding - we think these must be from cruise ships that offer Clay Pigeon shooting to their clients. I guess a certain amount will also be from local shooter not picking up after themselves.

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Try not to add to the problem

Plastic is blown into the sea, comes down rivers and streams, is dumped by fly tippers or thrown down by thoughtless people. Please pick up any plastic litter you see.