Seabin is an automated trash can that catches floating garbage, oil, fuel and detergents. It was designed to rid the oceans of plastic and pollution by two Australians, Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski.
The first is a boat builder, sailor and surfer, and designed the Seabin concept after many sailing trips around the world, and considering the amount of pollution collected in marinas. The second is an industrial designer and surfer, who started his career in industrial design of injection moulded plastic products.
Having created a prototype, the two men launched a major crowfounding campaign on Indiegogo to finance their project: to build Seabins in a sustainable and responsible way from mid-2016.
Currently, the Australians have raised $180,449 of their $230,000 goal. And they have only 3 days left to raise the amount they need. So if the project speaks to you, go to the bottom of the page to find the link!
Vacuuming waste and discharging sea water
To operate, the Seabin is placed on the surface of the water and a pump sucks up the waste; the water is sucked into the bin, bringing all floating debris and liquids inside. The water then sinks to the bottom of the bin while the waste is stored in the bin. It is also possible to install a separator that retains the oil and releases the cleaned water into the ocean.
This process is constant and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Inside the Seabin, there is a natural fibre "catch bag" that collects all floating debris. When it's full or close to full, simply change the bag. The collected debris can then be seriously recycled, the catch bag cleaned and ready to be reused in another Seabin.
If the trash can is full, it still works. The water flow attracts and encircles all floating debris against the Seabin and keeps it there. All you have to do is pick up the debris and change the bag.
It can be used in marinas, private pontoons, waterways, lakes, ports, waterways or yacht clubs. It can even be fitted on superyachts or motoryachts.
Ports, the ideal place to clean up pollution
For both creators, the choice of ports is no coincidence. Indeed, marinas are places close to the source of the problem, in a controlled environment. "Marinas, harbours and yacht clubs are the perfect place to start making the oceans clean. There are no huge ocean swells or storms in the harbours, making them a relatively controlled environment. Wind and currents carry floating waste all around the oceans and into every port, marina or yacht club." explain the creators.
By working with ports, we can place the Seabin in the perfect place for Mother Nature to bring the waste that will then be captured.
