More than 6.7 tonnes of waste from the sea: Why the cleanup on Mallorca is only the beginning

More than 6.7 tonnes of waste from the sea: A warning sign for the Balearics

In August, response teams and volunteers off the coasts of the Balearic Islands recovered more than 6.7 tonnes of debris from the water – nearly three tonnes came from the waters around Mallorca alone. The images are painfully familiar: plastic, driftwood, but also batteries, furniture and even a pram. This is not just a single headline, but an indicator of a deeper problem.

What exactly was recovered?

The finds range from the usual plastic mess to surprising “treasures” nobody misses: batteries, upholstered furniture, metal parts, large pieces of wood and bulky household items. Standing in Portixol in the morning or on a wind‑lashed cove, you hear the clatter of equipment, the cries of seagulls and smell the salty air — and yet you can see how much lies hidden beneath the surface. One volunteer put it half‑ironically: “We’re hunting for treasures — only the finds have no value.”

Who collects it – and how does the operation run?

The coordinated effort continues until the end of September. Small boats, diver teams and beach crews target spots that bring the most debris ashore after storms or strong winds: coastal stretches near Palma, but also quieter places like Port de Pollença and Cala Millor. Authorities work together with volunteers, lifeguards and local fishermen. Early morning operations on glass‑calm water often yield the biggest haul; collected materials are separated where possible, recycled or disposed of properly.

Why the numbers mean more than weight alone

The quantity is worrying by itself – but it is the composition and origin that raise even bigger questions. Microplastics form when larger plastic items break down and enter the marine food chain. Batteries and electronic waste bring chemical risks, furniture and bulky items point to illegal dumping or poorly secured loads. A fisherman from Alcúdia summed it up: “After a storm the sea always washes something up. We’re used to it, but it must not become normal.”

The less visible causes

Public debate often focuses on tourist litter on beaches — that is important, but incomplete. Storm drains, unsecured construction sites, illegal household waste dumping, lost fishing gear and waste from pleasure boats all contribute significantly. Seasonal currents and winds also concentrate debris in certain bays. Less noticed are missing disposal points for bulky waste in marina areas and poor checks on transported loads.

Concrete levers for long‑term improvement

Cleanup actions are necessary, but cleaning alone is not enough. Mallorca needs targeted measures:

- Better collection and return systems for hazardous and special waste in ports and municipal centers so batteries and devices don’t end up in the sea.

- Regular, coordinated diving cleanups with sustainable funding instead of occasional operations.

- Stronger controls and clear sanctions against illegal dumping on land and from boats.

- Prevention: reducing single‑use items, information campaigns for tourism businesses and boat owners, and deposit or return systems for common polluting products.

- Technical measures like capture systems on large drainage channels that trap debris from storm runoff, and hotspot tracking to direct resources where they are most needed.

What anyone on site can do

Anyone who turns up in the morning with gloves and a bin bag helps immediately. Even more effective are long‑term steps: separate waste correctly, avoid single‑use products, and take used batteries and bulky waste to designated collection points. Municipalities can also organize local take‑back days for electronics or old furniture — one less item destined for the ocean.

Conclusion: No quick victory, but opportunities to change

The more than 6.7 tonnes are not a number you can sweep away. It is a reminder that clean beaches are the result of many small decisions — from industry and authorities to everyday behavior. It is frustrating and sobering to see similar finds year after year. Yet the many volunteers who show up early in the morning in Portixol or elsewhere are a sign of hope: collective action can prevent worse outcomes. Now the next step is needed: structural defenses, not just emergency cleanups.