While the deep sea remains a mystery, our trash ensures it stays that way. Let’s change that.

We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the deep sea. Roughly 95% of the ocean is unexplored. It’s harder to overcome the high pressures of the deep ocean than it is to withstand the vacuum of space. We need more advanced technology to thoroughly explore the deep blue sea.

In the meantime, millions of tonnes of waste enter our oceans, destroying habitats and killing off species. Will there be anything to explore if we continue on course? Maybe, but let’s not leave it to chance. Here are the top 10 types of waste found in the ocean. Discover what actions you can take against ocean pollution now, no matter how far from the sea you are!

1. Cigarettes and Cigarette Filters

Cigarette butts are the most commonly found item during all ocean cleanups. The filters contain plastic fibers and toxic chemicals. These substances leech into the water. Marine animals ingest them, causing poisoning and death. 

What You Can Do

• If you smoke, always dispose of cigarette butts in designated bins, never on the ground or down a storm drain.
• Support anti-littering campaigns and educate others on the impact of cigarette waste.  

2. Plastic Drink Bottles

Over 10 million plastic bottles are sold every minute globally, many of which end up as ocean pollution. Once in the sea, they break down into microplastics that are ingested by marine life. 

What You Can Do

• Use a reusable water bottle made of stainless steel or glass. 
• Avoid buying single-use plastic drinks. Go for tap water or beverages in recyclable containers.
• Recycle plastic bottles properly if you must use them. 

3. Food Wrappers and Containers

Non-biodegradable food wrappers and containers accumulate on the sea floors. Marine animals often digest them. This can lead to choking and starvation. 

What You Can Do

• Buy in bulk and choose products with minimal or recycled packaging. 
• Bring your own containers and bags when shopping. 
• Store food in reusable containers instead of single-use plastics.   

4. Plastic Caps and Lids

Because they’re small and lightweight, plastic caps and lids are easily swept into waterways. Birds and sea animals can swallow them. This can cause internal injuries or death. 

What You Can Do

• Choose beverages with recyclable or compostable caps. 
• Always secure caps tightly before recycling bottles. 
• Support brands that use sustainable packaging. 

5. Plastic Bags

Plastic bags cause entanglement and suffocation of marine animals and persist in the environment for decades. 

What You Can Do

• Switch to reusable cloth or mesh bags for shopping and produce. 
• Reuse plastic bags you already have, and recycle them at designated drop-off points. 
• Avoid single-use bags whenever possible.

6. Cutlery and Cups

Plastic cutlery and cups are sharp, non-biodegradable, and can injure or kill marine life. They stay in the ocean for hundreds of years. 

What You Can Do

• Use reusable cutlery and cups made from materials like metal, bamboo, or silicone.
• Bring your own utensils when eating out or ordering takeout. 
• Say no to disposable options at restaurants and events. 

7. Plastic Straws and Stirrers

Plastic straws and stirrers can also be swallowed by birds and sea animals, causing internal injuries or death. 

What You Can Do

• Skip the straw or use reusable alternatives made from metal, bamboo or silicone.
• Encourage local businesses to offer straw-free or reusable options. 

8. Glass Beverage Bottles

Glass never biodegrades and can break into sharp pieces, harming marine life. Additionally, glass microparticles can enter the food chain. 

What You Can Do

• Recycle glass bottles through your local program.
• Choose beverages in returnable or reusable glass containers. 
• Avoid littering and join in local bottle return events.

9. Metal Beverage Cans

Metal cans can injure animals with their serrated edges, and metals can leech into water, causing toxicity. 

What You Can Do

• Always recycle metal cans. 
• Choose drinks in recyclable packaging. 
• Avoid littering and support deposit-return programs. 

10. Paper Bags

While they are biodegradable, paper bags have a higher carbon and water footprint and can still contribute to marine debris. 

What You Can Do

• Use reusable bags instead of single-use paper or plastic. 
• Use paper bags for storage or crafts before recycling. 
• Compost paper bags if they’re uncoated and free of ink. 

The majority of ocean pollution comes from land, typically from everyday items. By making small, practical changes, we can help support our oceans for future generations. Every action counts, and together, we can make a wave of difference.