The APB invests more than one million euros in removing waste from the ports of Ibiza and la Savina

The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) has removed more than twelve tons of waste in the cleaning operations carried out over the last four years in the ports of Ibiza and la Savina. The service has cost more than 1.3 million euros through the joint venture Patena Ibiza-La Savina, responsible for cleaning the water surface and combating environmental pollution in these two ports.

Of the total 12,550 kg of waste collected between October 2020 and October 2024, just over twelve thousand correspond to the port of Ibiza and the rest, just over five hundred kilos to the port of la Savina. These works have been key to reducing pollution in port areas and improving water quality and the maritime environment.

This information comes from a summary report of the service, which details that most of the removed waste belongs to various categories. On one hand, the most numerous and representing 54% of the total is rejection material. That is, small-sized organic and plastic remnants whose separation is unviable, as well as bulky non-reusable objects.

Secondly, with 22% of the total, are plastic waste and light packaging, including bottles, bags, and packaging. Another important group of waste that represents 21% of the collected material is of organic origin, mostly vegetal remains of algae, plants, or pieces of wood. Finally, the remaining 3% corresponds to other waste not included in the previous groups.

Most of the waste originates from land, accounting for 40% of the total, while that from the sea is 21%. It is estimated that 20% of the waste originates from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and includes wipes, condoms, sanitary pads, and other personal hygiene items.

15% of the removed waste such as life rings, fenders, or other remnants of boats accidentally fallen into the sea would represent 15%, while the remaining 4% would be professional fishing nets and recreational fishing gear.

The material resources that the APB has for this service include an 8.5-meter-long electric pelican-type boat, a 7.6-meter semi-electric rigid inflatable boat, a remote-controlled floating drone, a hydrocarbon separator skimmer, and a pickup-type vehicle.

The APB is implementing its environmental strategy that was approved in 2021 and which includes, among other things, preventing discharges into the sea and controlling water quality. However, discharges unrelated to port activity continue to occur and must be removed to achieve proper water quality.