Fast-Food Waste Is Rapidly, Filling the Ocean With Plastic. According to a new study highlighted by 'Nature,' the main source of plastic litter accumulating along coasts is plastic packaging from fast-food. . In 2010, approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic waste ended up in the ocean. . A research team from the University of Cadiz in Puerto Real, Spain, classified over 12 million items of litter found worldwide... according to product type, material composition and probable origin. Up to 88% of waste found along shorelines consists of plastic bags, wrappers, food containers, bottles, cans and cutlery. The authors of the study stress that understanding the products that make up the largest share of marine litter is key to reducing pollution. Knowing this could lead to developing more responsible production and consumption patterns