Tackling plastic pollution in our local waterways

Sydney Airport has teamed up with environmental technology leader Seabin™ to take on a big challenge close to home – analysing plastic pollution in the waterways that flow through and around the airport.

Together, we’ve launched a five-year plan to not only better understand where litter is coming from, but to use this data with the aim of reducing pollution into the future.

The first step is a 12-month trial at Engine Pond East, right near the airport. If it’s successful, the project will expand to two more sites along Alexandra Canal, and later, could even reach the Cooks River.

Seabin™ is a pioneering environmental technology company focused on cleaning oceans, waterways, and harbours by capturing floating litter and microplastics. Using data-driven approaches, Seabin™ empowers communities and organisations to tackle plastic pollution effectively.

Sydney Airport’s Senior Manager Environment, Rhonda Lenardon, said: “Our partnership with Seabin™ goes beyond collecting rubbish - it’s about turning action into evidence, harnessing technology, and working with the community to drive lasting environmental change.”

Why it matters

Plastic pollution in urban waterways doesn’t just look bad – it harms ecosystems, impacts public health, and affects community wellbeing. By working with Seabin™, Sydney Airport is using new technology and data to tackle the problem head-on and protect local waterways for the future.

This project also supports Sydney Airport’s environment strategy, which focuses on two key things: collecting detailed litter data and teaming up with others to reduce pollution around airport lands.

Seabin™ CEO and Co-Founder Pete Ceglinski said: “We’re excited to work with Sydney Airport on this trial, building on our work conducted in Sydney Harbour, this location will further increase our impact in the analysis and removal of litter in Sydney’s waterways. We look forward to working with local councils, NGOs, and communities, and other key stakeholders to keep litter out of our waterways, for cleaner oceans and healthier communities.”

What’s happening in phase one?

• New technology will be used to capture and categorise types of litter

• The project will track how weather events influence litter build-up

• Data will be shared openly to encourage community and council involvement

• Insights will be turned into meaningful environmental actions

• If the trial is successful, more sites will be added

The bigger picture

The aim of the trial is to:

• Build an evidence-based picture of litter types and patterns in our waterways

• Strengthen partnerships with community groups, councils, and environmental advocates

• Lay the foundations to roll-out the project across multiple locations

The initiative was also inspired by local primary school student, Jenson Wade, winner of the Cook Awards – Young Environmentalist of the Year 2023, which Sydney Airport proudly sponsors.

A litter extraction at Engine Pond East occurred on 2 September, with Seabin™ technology now monitoring and reporting through to mid-2026. Community leaders, environmental journalists, and policymakers will be invited to see the project in action at key milestones.