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Scots beaches 'worst for waste' Scots beaches 'worst for waste'
(1 day later)
Scotland's beaches have the worst levels of sanitary-litter in the UK, according to conservationists. Scotland's beaches have the worst levels of litter in the UK, according to conservationists.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said sewage-related debris (SRD), mainly cotton buds, accounted for more than a quarter of Scotland's litter. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said plastics, visitors' rubbish and waste which had been flushed down the toilet were the main problems.
The density of SRD in Scotland was said to be more than five times the UK average. In Scotland more than a quarter of the litter was sewage-related debris (SRD), mainly cotton buds - five times more than the UK average.
A total of 43,078 litter items were collected, with one beach recording more than 8,000 cotton bud sticks. More than 8,000 cotton bud sticks were collected at East Bay in Helensburgh.
The Beachwatch 2007 survey identified four key sources of beach litter across the UK: recreational and beach visitors (35.3%), fishing litter (13.7%), sewage related debris/sanitary waste (6.1%) and shipping litter (1.8%). The MCS said there was a history of SRD at this beach and others in the area.
MCS Scottish projects officer, Anne Saunders, said: "Plastics are of particular concern as they could persist in the marine environment for centuries with fatal consequences for marine wildlife." Litter can ruin Scotland's good reputation as an attractive country Michael Russell Environment Minister
The MCS is lobbying for a national strategy to tackle beach rubbish but is also encouraging individual responsibility for litter disposal. The Beachwatch 2007 report stated: "The presence of SRD, such as sanitary towels, tampons and condoms, on our beaches is totally unacceptable at any level.
"Improvements to sewerage treatment, changes in manufacturing practices and public attitudes will all play a role in achieving the removal of sanitary waste from our beaches."
A total of 43,078 pieces of litter were collected during the study - an average of 2,727.8 items per kilometre surveyed in Scotland. The UK average was 2,054.
Environment Minister Michael Russell expressed disappointment at the amount of litter recorded.
He added: "We all have a responsibility to ensure that our rubbish is disposed of in the proper manner.
"Litter can ruin Scotland's good reputation as an attractive country and blights the landscape of our beaches and seas."
Earlier this year the Scottish Government announced plans to tackle beach litter.