Floating ‘sea bins’ come to France’s ocean ports

Dubbed the “Seabin”, the rubbish collector floats in the ocean - near beaches or marinas - and sucks up litter such as plastic bags, bottles and other debris.

Originally created in Australia, it has been tested in France in Grande-Motte in the Hérault since November 2017.

The Marseille coast began using the €3,300 Seabin this month, and the Ports Rade de Toulon have also began using it. Paris is set to buy six of the models this summer, to help clean up its ports and waterways.

The Seabin has also been hailed as a clever educational tool.

Éric Pallier, port director in Grande-Motte, said: “This is not only a product, it is also a real step forward in increasing young people’s sensitivity [to the problem of ocean waste]. They are already quite aware, but we must try to use this product to help educate people.”