Sweeping and grooming are proving an effective method of removing plastic beads washed-up on Western Bay of Plenty beaches from the Rena.

Container salvage contractor Braemar Howells is reporting almost all 2-3mm plastic beads have been removed from Waihi Beach, with further loose bead removal planned for Matakana Island.

Debris washed ashore on Matakana Island has been collected and grouped for removal by Braemar Howells. Photo: Maritime New Zealand.

Braemar spokesperson Monique O'Connor says all of the intact 25kg bags of plastic beads found on Matakana Island have been removed.

'In recent weeks the container has been cut to pieces and removed.

'Beads from Waihi Beach were promptly cleaned up and further cleaning of beads is planned for Matakana Island.”

Monique says once the larger debris accumulated on Matakana Island is removed smaller debris – such as any remaining beads – will be removed.

A container carrying almost 17 tonnes of plastic beads washed ashore on Matakana Island when the cargo ship Rena broke up during a storm on January 8.

A bag of beads.

The container was carrying 660 bags of plastic beads, many of which were found spilt and scattered along the shores of Matakana and Waihi beaches.

Monique says Braemar took immediate steps to contain the beads by moving the container to the high-tide mark and putting down sheeting to prevent more beads going into the loose sand.

'The beads were re-bagged for removal and there are plans to recycle them via the appropriate firm.”

Monique says bead sweeping has proved effective, along with beach grooming machines, which have been used on Matakana Island, and are likely be used again.

The polymer beads are used in the plastics industry and are thought to be a threat to wildlife if ingested in large quantities.

Autopsies of dead birds have found no foreign bodies in their gastrointestinal tracts, and suggest no ingestion of the plastic beads.