Innovative conveyor belt system tackles river plastic pollution

In Ecuador, a startup has developed a novel approach to intercept plastic waste in rivers before it reaches the ocean. Utilising a floating barrier system called Azure, the technology captures debris as it flows down the San Pedro River towards the Pacific. The Azure system can collect up to 80 tonnes of plastic daily, significantly mitigating the environmental impact on marine life and ecosystems. Beyond physical cleanup, the initiative focuses on prevention by analysing the origins of the waste and working with local communities and authorities to reduce future pollution. The dual approach of removal and prevention aims to establish a sustainable model for tackling river-borne plastic waste. (BBC)