05-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
15 tonnes of waste recycled from Welsh harbours in year
A pioneering recycling scheme in Wales targeting end-of-life fishing gear has been recycled since 2023, diverting nets, ropes, and buoys from landfill and helping to protect coastal environments.
The End of Life (EoL) Fishing Gear Scheme, a partnership between the Welsh Government and Odyssey Innovation Ltd, provides collection points at harbours across Wales for the disposal and recycling of plastic fishing equipment.
Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, recently visited the Aberystwyth collection station to see the scheme in action.
Mr Irranca-Davies said: "This remains the only truly nationwide scheme of its kind in the UK, bringing in an additional resource for a previously untapped source of material and supports our aim to become the best recycling nation in the world."
Fishing gear is estimated to make up 20 per cent of all marine litter.
It was the third most commonly found item in last year's Great British Beach Clean survey for Wales, accounting for 14 per cent of all beach litter.
The scheme has now expanded to 10 harbours, with strong engagement particularly from smaller ports along the Cardigan Bay coastline.
Rob Thompson of Odyssey Innovation said: "This recycling initiative stands as a prime example of how collaborative efforts between various entities can effectively foster a circular economy.
"The enthusiastic participation of fishermen in recycling their gear has been absolutely essential to the scheme's success."
Materials collected are graded and recycled into a range of products, including council street furniture, road materials, and even kayaks.
Nets and ropes are processed in Denmark and turned into items such as the 'Scuttle the Cuttle' microplastic-catching scoop, designed for use by young people and community groups.
