Polystyrene is one of the most prevalent pollutants in your Yarra. 

Litter clean-ups have raised awareness on just how much polystyrene, and litter, is polluting your Yarra. We’ve seen wildlife with stomachs full of plastic, and reed-beds working hard to stop litter from entering creeks and rivers. We see the aftermath of polystyrene pollution but more research is needed to help identify actions to stopping it at its source. That’s why our polystyrene research delves into the sources, solutions and impacts of polystyrene pollution. 

Just before they are emptied, our Litter Project Officer, Anthony, collects samples from Bandalong litter traps in your Yarra.

He then carefully sifts through these samples, counting the amount of polystyrene, fragment by fragment (and they can be as small as 1 mm). It’s not glamorous work but it is helping to ensure that numbers around polystyrene pollution flowing down your Yarra are consistently monitored and evaluated.

Fortunately, our volunteers have come onboard to help! Thanks to their support, Anthony is able to sort through more litter samples. In fact, our team of volunteers can identify over 400 pieces of polystyrene per sample!

Help us give back to the volunteers who are taking part in working towards protecting Melbourne’s natural icon. 

Your contribution can help us to provide equipment and support that will assist volunteers in their efforts to sample litter. 

This includes: 

• Head torches to see the samples better. Some of the polystyrene has been in the River for a while, turning the fragments from white to black. 


• Tools to separate the fragments.  We’ve had polystyrene stuck and embedded on plastic bottles.


• Litter sample training and


• Postage. In the case of lockdowns, volunteers can continue to audit samples from the comfort and safety of their own home 

Volunteers give their time, passion and energy to help your Yarra. Help support their contribution to the environment and community.