1% FOAM Polystyrene, Cigarette Filters

2% FILM Plastic Bags, Packaging

Five Types of Microplastics in Wastewater

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80% FIBER Synthetic Fabric, Non-flushable Wipes, Clothing, Fishing Line

SYNTHETIC FIBERS shed from garments in washing machines and drain with the effluent water at much higher volumes than personal care products and cosmetics. More than 1,900 microplastic fibers can be released from a single synthetic garment in one wash cycle. These fibers can pass through the most commonly used screen filters in wastewater treatment facilities. 

17% FRAGMENT Microbeads* used in toothpaste or cosmetics. Small pieces of plastic broken off (or degraded) from larger pieces of plastic. *Banned in US in 2015 

1% TRACE Polystyrene, Cigarette Filters