Hotter weather means more rubbish on Belgian beaches
Warmer weather is leading to a noticeable increase in litter left behind by beachgoers on the Belgian coast, according to the environmental volunteer group Proper Strand Lopers. As reported by VRT NWS, the group has observed a clear link between high temperatures and increased rubbish on beaches, particularly when temperatures exceed 30 degrees.
In 2024, volunteers collected 137,000 litres of waste along Belgium’s coast, which was a 25 per cent increase on the previous year. Preliminary figures up to June this year show a lower total so far, 39,786 litres, suggesting some improvement. However, the group warns that litter levels depend not only on behaviour but also on the number of volunteers available to collect it.
While around 80 per cent of coastal waste washes ashore from the sea, the remaining 20 per cent originates from beach visitors. Volunteer coordinator Tim Corbisier notes that warmer, drier summers - like the one currently under way - may bring less marine waste, but there is significantly more litter from visitors, particularly as more people flee overheated cities for the coast.
Crowding is particularly intense in coastal towns with railway stations, with some municipalities, such as Blankenberge, struggling to manage the influx, while others, such as Ostend, are better prepared. Proper Strand Lopers advises local authorities on practical measures, such as redesigning public bins to prevent overflow and encouraging clear signage for waste disposal.
Public awareness
Corbisier believes that public awareness has improved in recent years. Temperatures used to trigger waste surges at 27–28 degrees, but this threshold has increased slightly thanks to improved prevention efforts. Nevertheless, on very hot days, the increase remains striking. For example, on 12 August 2023, volunteers collected 4,000 litres of waste in just one day.
"Most people are willing to clean up after themselves if we simply ask"
The group tries to raise awareness by speaking directly to beachgoers. “Most people are willing to clean up after themselves if we simply ask,” says Corbisier. Volunteers sometimes go further, inviting visitors to help with the clean-up, which fosters a sense of personal responsibility.
However, local governments are lacking in enforcement. Despite public statements about tougher fines, Corbisier says that nobody has actually been fined for littering on the beach. Proving who left which item is nearly impossible, which leads to a sense of impunity.
To tackle this issue, Proper Strand Lopers has proposed a trial system in which people would be responsible for a 2m radius around their spot on the beach. Though the plan is simple in concept, it has yet to be adopted. “It’s up to the authorities to come up with a workable solution and take responsibility,” says Corbisier.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO BELPRESS
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