What is Data Recording?

• Getting information on the type of debris items collected in a particular cleanup site
• Counting the number of each debris item and then tallied to get the total of each item
• Debris information is recorded in an Ocean Trash Data Form

Why is Data Recording Important?

• The data provide the type and sources of trash that are impacting our ocean’s health so that we can prevent specific items from reaching the water
• Information collected will be used to improve policies, ordinances and programs on solid waste
• To inspire and influence manufacturing companies on product innovation and packaging that will reduce plastic waste
• To encourage businesses, individuals, and communities to focus on the 4R’s of waste management: Reuse, Recycle, Reduce and Respond
• To educate and raise awareness on the extent of the marine debris problem
• Data produced will contribute to the advancement of marine debris studies

Trash Data Form for Volunteers & Coordinators

Categorized Debris Items in the Data Form

Most Likely to Find -

These are the most abundant items of trash collected during the Cleanup since 1986. They include Food Wrappers, Cigarette Butts, Food Containers (Plastic / Foam), Straws/Stirrers, Beverage Bottles (PETs), Grocery Bags (Plastic), Other Plastic Bags, among others.

The following are the new group classifications of debris items listed in the Ocean Trash Data Form that can be found on land, waterways and seas, above and below:

Fishing and Boating -

Debris from recreational fishing and boating, municipal and commercial fishing, cargo, military and cruise ships, and offshore industries, like oil drilling. They include Buoys, Pots & Traps, Fishing Net & Pieces, Rope, and Fishing Line.

Illegal Dumping -

Debris from household appliances, electrical devices, construction materials such as, paint cans, scrap wood and iron; tires and automotive parts; toilet bowls, vehicles, airplanes, bicycles, etc.

Packaging Materials -

Debris from various sources of people's activities which find their way into the sea. They include 6-Pack Holders for canned drinks. Other Plastic/Foam Packaging, Other Plastic Bottles (oil, bleach, etc.) and Strapping Bands.

Categorized Debris Items in the Data Form

Personal Hygiene –

Materials discarded into the sewer systems, toilets, waterways or open areas. This category includes diapers, condoms, sanitary napkins and syringes and PPEs (masks, gloves).

Other Item/Debris –

They include items that are prevalent but in small quantities, such as, Tobacco products (lighters, cigarette tips, wrap), Balloons, Footwear, Clothing, Toys and other waste materials (metal, paper & plastic), among others.

Tiny Trash –

These are called macro debris which is less than 2.5 cm in size and include Foam Pieces, Glass Pieces and Plastic Pieces. At present, in-depth studies on their occurrence and movement in the oceans, direct impacts on marine organisms and interactions with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are being undertaken by marine debris experts.

Most Unusual Item Collected –

Debris that are unique, peculiar or unexpected to be found in the cleanup, such as, trophy, eye glasses, umbrella, wallet, etc.

Most Likely to Find

Food containers (plastic)

Food containers (foam)

Food Wrappers

Grocery bags (plastic)

Other Plastic bags

Beverage cans

Beverage bottles (glass)

Beverage bottles (plastic)

Bottle caps (metal)

Bottle caps (plastic)

Lids (plastic)

Utensils (plastic)

Straws/Stirrers

Cigarette butts

Beverage Pouch

Cups & plates (foam)

Cups & plates (plastic)

Cups & plates (paper)

Fishing and Boating

Fishing Buoys, Pots & Traps

Rope

Fishing Line

Fishing Net & pieces

Most Likely to Find

Appliances

Tires

Construction materials

Condoms

Syringes

Sanitary Napkins/ Tampons & Applicators

Diapers

Personal Hygiene

PPEs (facemask, gloves)

Illegal Dumping

6-Pack Holders

Strapping bands

Other Plastic Bottles (oil, bleach, shampoo, etc.)

Other Plastic/Foam Packaging (sachets, bubble wrap)

Other Debris Items

Balloons

Clothes/Cloth

E-Cigarettes

Electronic Wastes

Footwear (Shoes/Slippers)

Packaging Materials

Tobacco Products (lighter, plastic tip, wrapper)

Paper Bags

Toys

Other plastic waste (sacks, tarpaulins)

Plastic Pieces

Foam Pieces

Tiny Trash (less than 2.5cm)

Other waste (metal, tin cans, cartons, paper, tetrapak, rubber, bulbs)

Other Debris Items

1. Record only the items found in your Ocean Trash Data Form. Do not record natural items like coconut husk, logs, branches, bamboos & water lilies. However, you can put them aside and dispose later.
2. Collect data as a team (3-5 individuals/team), one person will record information on the Data Form, while others will collect and bag the trash
3. Collect only what you can carry and record. Find a shady area to segregate/sort out and record the trash collected
4. Using tick marks, count the number of each debris item. Tally and place the total number in the space provided. Put numbers, not words like several or many. Be accurate as much as possible.

TOTAL

Example: Beverage bottle (plastic): /////-/////-///// = 15

Tips on Data Collection

5. In case there are sacks and sacks of debris collected, the following are recommended:
• Concentrate in just 1 sack. This will be a representative picture of what you collected
• If you are a group, divide the trash accordingly to each assigned team with 3-5 members
• Make proper estimations on the number of debris items and weight of sacks (if there’s no weighing scale)

Examples:

1 sack of trash = 7-10 kilos/ 1 bag of trash = 4.5 -5 kilos

1 glass beverage bottle = 0.22 kilos (www.waste360.com)

1 meter rope/fishing line = 1 pc.