Sewage-related debris (SRD), consisting mainly of cotton-bud sticks, accounted for 26 per cent of the total litter found in Scotland, according to the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Beachwatch 2007 survey report published earlier this week.
The density of SRD in Scotland (708.8/km) was the highest of any country and over five times the UK average (125.7/km).
But although sewage waste is a large contributor to the litter on Scotland's beaches, it is not the main offender.
The highest percentage of litter comes from recreational visitors dropping bottles, cigarette butts, cans etc on beaches during their time there.
And with tourism vital for the economy of Berwickshire towns and villages like Eyemouth and St Abbs, both see their populations swell dramatically during the summer months.
But with this comes the inevitable litter, although Kevin Rideout, Head Ranger at St Abb's Nature Reserve said it can be difficult to pinpoint just where it comes from.
"Most of the litter that arrives on beaches on the Berwickshire coast is washed up from the sea although you don't always know where from.
"It could be from nearby or it could realistically be from anywhere on the east coast.
"For example a beach like Linkim Shore near Eyemouth doesn't get a lot of visitors, yet it still gets its fair share of litter.
"Weather can play a big part too, in an area like St Abbs the wind can get up really quickly and bring litter with it."
Like many areas throughout Scotland and the whole of the UK, Berwickshire is involved in Beach Watch throughout the year and under the leadership of Liza Cole, marine reserve ranger, a number of clean-ups have taken place.
A survey at Burnmouth Bay, covering 100 metres pulled in 11 volunteers whereas a similar operation at Linkim Shore covering the same distance attracted eight volunteers.
Clean-ups at Eyemouth and St Abbs couldn't go ahead because of bad weather.
Kevin said initiatives like Beach Watch were important in protecting the local environment, although he said that it's often those from outside the area who don't fully realise the consequences of dropping litter.
"Liza is continuing the Beach Watch scheme in the area, with cleans taking place four times a year.
"The whole point of things like this is to try and prevent people from dropping litter.
"Also by trying to identify the source of any litter we can try and reduce the chance of it getting into the sea in the first place.
"We're going to continue to persuade people to take their litter home with them or put it in a bin instead of just dropping it on the ground.
"The message needs to get through to people that it's not OK to drop litter and we aim to encourage people to exhibit more responsible behaviour. Not dropping litter can make a big difference."
In the Good Beach Guide 2007, water quality at all four of the main beaches in Berwickshire - Coldingham Bay, Pease Bay, St Abbs and Eyemouth - all made the grade, with the first three Marine Conservation Society recommended and Eyemouth achieving a basic pass.