Typhoon Mangkhut: shocking extent of plastic waste in oceans highlighted as masses of litter wash ashore

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James Morris17 September 2018

Shocking photos have revealed the huge extent of plastic waste in the oceans around Hong Kong as piles of rubbish were scattered ashore in the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut.

The storm, one of Hong Kong’s strongest in recent years, left behind a trail of destruction of plastic and polystyrene foam in parts of the territory.

The clean-up operation began on Monday, with massive piles of plastic waste pictured in Heng Fa Chuen, on the east of Hong Kong Island.

Hong Kong has well documented issues with plastic pollution. Green Earth, an environmental pressure group, said 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste is dumped every day.

The group has campaigned for greater awareness of the issue, saying: “Only 14 per cent of plastic bottles are recycled in Hong Kong.

“Apart from urging the government to legislate for producer responsibility on beverage containers, we can all play a part in waste reduction by reducing our purchases and distribution of plastic bottled water.”

Typhoon Mangkhut battered the Philippines, Hong Kong and mainland China. The death stood at 69 on Monday afternoon, though there were no fatalities in Hong Kong.

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