International Coastal Cleanup, Penang
16 October, 2011
Individual Site Results
             
Organization   Penang State Government & USM    
Zone   Pantai Kuala Muda, Penaga, Penaga, Seberang Perai Utara
Site   Pantai Kuala Muda    
Type   Beach    
             
Participation Summary
Total Number of Volunteers   460    
Total number of trash bags filled   158    
Total number of items collected   13,208    
Total weight of trash collected (kg)   845    
Total distance cleaned (metres)   400    
             
Debris Summary
Total Shoreline and Recreational Activities   9,531    
Total Ocean / Waterway Activities   935    
Total Smoking-Related Activities   913    
Total Dumping Activities   74    
Total Medical / Personal Activities   93    
Debris of Local Concern   1,662    
             
Top 10 Items at a Glance
 
           
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
Shoreline and Recreational Activities   Ocean / Waterways Activities
Bags (paper) 0     Bait containers /Packaging 35  
Bags (plastic) 6,151     Bleach / Cleaner bottles 41  
Balloons 1     Buoys / Floats 73  
Beverage bottles (plastic) 2 liters or less 414     Crab / Lobster / Fish Traps 9  
Beverage bottles (glass) 289     Crates 5  
Beverage cans 114     Fishing Lines 43  
Caps, lids 106     Fishing Lures / Light sticks 0  
Clothing, shoes 203     Fishing Nets 160  
Cups, plates, forks, knives, spoons 231     Light bulbs / Tubes 14  
Food wrappers / Containers 560     Oil / Lube bottles 7  
Pull tabs 56     Pallets 33  
6-Pack holders 3     Plastic sheeting / Tarps 252  
Shotgun shells, wadding 0     Rope 263  
Straws, stirrers 1,373     Strapping Bands 0  
Toys 30          
             
Smoking-Related Activities   Dumping Activities
Cigarettes / Cigarette Filters 283     Appliances (refridgerators, washers, etc) 8  
Cigarette Lighters 162     Batteries 8  
Cigar Tips 183     Building materials 36  
Tobacco packaging / Wrappers 285     Cars / Car parts 5  
        55 gal. Drums 3  
        Tyres 14  
             
Medical / Personal Activities   Debris of Local Concern
Condoms 0     Styrofoam pieces 1,595  
Diapers 64     Rubber Bands 67  
Syringes 25          
Tampons / Tampon Applicators 4          
             
Comments
The Top 3 debris collected were plastic bags (63%), styrofoam pieces (16%) and food wrappers (6%). These all falls under the category of shoreline and recreational activities. The coordinators suggest that the main source of pollution is from irresponsible beach-goers, who did not dispose their garbage properly. To improve on the cleanliness of Pantai Kuala Muda, the state government could increase the number of garbage bins and awareness sign boards at the vicinity. Furthermore, beverage bottles and plastic cups contribute to 10% of all garbage collected. In addition for being a huge eyesoar, these containers can also be a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes. Stall owners can opt for degradable paper cups instead of plastic cups when selling beverages to visitor.