Ohio Sea Grant and Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup Announce Successful 2024 Plastic Cleanup Season

Ohio Sea Grant, in partnership with Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup and with funding and support from Meijer, completed a successful season of lake cleanup with its BeBop and Pixie Drone. From April to October 2024, 21,764 pieces of debris were removed from Lake Erie and Lake Michigan coastlines and analyzed to help identify litter sources and pathways. The innovative program utilizes the BeBot, a 100% electric, eco-friendly beach cleaning robot, and the PixieDrone, a floating, remote-controlled mobile waste collector, to help target and remove waste.

“The BeBot and Pixie Drone have engaged the public around the very important issue of plastic marine debris. I strongly believe that the confluence of cutting-edge technology and community engagement is a recipe for conservation success. These types of public-private partnerships are essential for addressing emerging contamination issues in the Great Lakes region and beyond,” says Dr. Scott Hardy, extension specialist at Ohio Sea Grant.

This year, the community can contribute to cleanup efforts and be entered for a change to win one of five $100 Meijer gift cards by submitting name ideas for their local BeBot! Any resident of the U.S. living in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio or Wisconsin who is 18 years of age or older can complete this form with their ideas by 11:59 pm on May 4, 2025.

Visit greatlakesplasticcleanup.org to learn more.