Great Pacific Garbage Patch could be eliminated in 10 years, cleanup organization says

"We have shown the world that the impossible is now possible. The only missing thing is who will ensure this job gets done," said Boyan Slat, founder and chief executive of the Ocean Cleanup.

Plastic waste costs the global economy "$2.5 trillion per year in damage to economies, industries and the environment," the group said.

At current levels, the cleanup would take a decade with a price tag of $7.5 billion, but computer models suggest a more aggressive approach could complete the job in just five years.

In their three years at sea, the Ocean Cleanup vessels have removed more than a million tons of trash, representing 0.5% of the total accumulation.

Read at Los Angeles Times