Online Photo Catalogue of the Joint List of Litter Categories

Example images to support the monitoring of macro litter in different environmental matrices

This online photo catalogue provides guidance for the attribution of macro litter to specific categories in order to enable a harmonized monitoring data acquisition, which allows detailed data analysis. It is based on the Joint List of Litter Categories. A Joint List of Litter Categories for Marine Macrolitter Monitoring
JC No. J_Code Type_Code SUP/Fishing Name Definition Image
1 J1 pl_fc_sxp_ SUP plastic 4/6-pack yokes & six-pack rings Four or six-pack rings or yokes are a set of connected plastic rings that are used in multi-packs of drinks, particularly of drinks cans, to hold the cans together. Image
100 J100 pl_md_pha_ plastic medical/ pharmaceuticals containers/tubes/ packaging A wide variety of artificial polymer packages used for the packaging of a wide variety of pharmaceutical solids, liquids, and gasses. Some of the common primary plastic packages are: blister packs, small bottles and containers, tubes, ampoules, etc. Image
101 J101 pl_nn_bag_dogb_ plastic dog/pet faeces bag A plastic bag used for picking up and removing the faeces of a dog or other pet. Image
102 J102 pl_cl_ftw_flip_ plastic flip-flops A light sandal made of plastic, with a thong between the big and second toe. Image
11 J11 pl_hy_b&c_bech_ plastic beach use related body care and cosmetic bottles and containers Bottles and containers of body care and cosmetics products used at the beach such as sunscreen, suntan or after sun lotion, etc. Image
12 J12 pl_hy_b&c_obch_ plastic non-beach use related body care and cosmetic bottles and containers Bottles and containers of body care and cosmetics products such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, perfume and others that are not explicitly used at the beach. Image
13 J13 pl_nn_b&c_ob&c_ other plastic bottles & containers (drums) Other plastic bottles and containers such as drums (cylindrical containers) generally used for the transportation and storage of liquids and powders. Image
136 J136 pl_cl_ftw_shoe_ footwear made of plastic - not flip flops Items of footwear made of plastic - not flip flops. Image
14 J14 pl_nn_b&c_eoil_smal_ plastic engine oil bottles & containers 2.5 cm >= <= 50 cm Plastic bottles and containers smaller than 50 cm in any dimension, used for packaging motor oil, engine oil, or engine lubricant. Image
144 J144 pl_hy_stt_tamp_ SUP plastic tampons and tampon applicators A feminine hygiene product designed to absorb the menstrual flow or a plug of material used to stop a wound or block an opening in the body and absorb blood or secretions. The tampon applicator should be recorded within this category. Image
15 J15 pl_nn_b&c_eoil_larg_ plastic engine oil bottles & containers >50cm Plastic bottles and containers bigger than 50 cm in any dimension, used for packaging motor oil, engine oil, or engine lubricant.

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16 J16 pl_nn_b&c_jery_ plastic jerry cans Large plastic flat-sided containers with a handle used for storing or transporting liquids, typically petrol or water. Image
166 J166 pl_nn_pai_ plastic paint brushes A brush used for painting, typically consisting of bristles fastened into a wooden or plastic handle. Can be made of a mixture of materials including metal. Image
17 J17 pl_nn_b&c_injn_ plastic injection gun containers/cartridges A cartridge made of plastic for devices that are used to inject grease, silicone, or other fluids. Includes their nozzles. Image
18 J18 pl_nn_box_ plastic crates, boxes, baskets Plastic containers typically used to transport or store different types of items and products, other than fisheries and aquaculture related. Image
19 J19 pl_vk_prt_ plastic vehicle parts Any part of a car or other transport vehicle made of artificial polymer materials and fibre glass. This can also include pieces of boats. Image
21 J21 pl_fc_b&c_lids_drnk_ SUP plastic caps/lids drinks Plastic caps and lids from bottles and containers, used to hold water, juice or other drinks for consumption Image
211 J211 pl_md_omd_ other plastic medical items (swabs, bandaging, adhesive plasters etc.) Items deemed necessary for the treatment of an illness or injury. These may include swabs, bandaging, adhesive plasters, etc. Can be made of other materials than artificial polymers.

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22 J22 pl_nn_b&c_lids_dtgt_ plastic caps/lids chemicals, detergents (non-food) Plastic caps and lids from bottles and containers of cleaning products (i.e. detergents, toilet cleaners, glass cleaners, etc.) and chemicals. Image
220 J220 pl_ag_ghs_ plastic sheeting from greenhouses Plastic sheeting used to cover greenhouses generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition. This category is possibly only separable from other plastic sheeting by experienced workers. Image
221 J221 pl_ag_irg_ plastic irrigation pipes Plastic irrigation pipes from agriculture generated during construction, renovation, and demolition. Image
222 J222 pl_ag_oag_ other plastic items from agriculture Other plastic items from agriculture generated during construction, renovationa and demolition. Image
223 J223 pl_ag_tra_ trays for seedlings of foamed plastic A foamed plastic tray in which seedlings are grown. Image
224 J224 pl_fc_b&c_ffmd_ SUP plastic food containers made of foamed polystyrene Foamed polystyrene containers used for carrying or storing food, such as fast food containers, lunchboxes, etc.

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225 J225 pl_fc_b&c_pfoc_ SUP plastic food containers made of hard non-foamed plastic Plastic containers used for carrying or storing food, such as fast-food containers, Tupperware, lunchboxes, etc. Made of non-foamed plastic. Image
226 J226 pl_fc_tab_cups_fcup_ SUP cups and cup lids of foamed polystyrene Single-use cups and their lids for coffee and other drinks; made of foamed polystyrene. They have a wide range of uses in restaurants, bakeries, or catering settings.

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227 J227 pl_fc_tab_cups_hpcp_ SUP cups and lids of hard plastic Single-use cups and their lids for coffee and other drinks; made of non-foamed artificial polymer materials. They have a wide range of uses in restaurants, bakeries, or catering settings. Image
228 J228 pl_fc_tab_cupt_cutl_ SUP plastic cutlery Single-use knives, forks, and spoons. Image
229 J229 pl_fc_tab_cupt_plat_ SUP plastic plates and trays Single-use plates and trays made of artificial polymer material. Image
23 J23 pl_nn_b&c_lids_olid_ plastic caps/lids unidentified Plastic caps and lids from unidentified bottles and containers. Image
230 J230 pl_fc_tab_stst_stir_ SUP plastic stirrers Stirrers are used when serving hot drinks such as tea and coffee or other drinks such as cocktails.

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231 J231 pl_fc_tab_stst_strw_ SUP plastic straws A drinking straw or drinking tube is a small pipe that allows its user to more conveniently consume a drink. Image
232 J232 pl_fi_net_strg_drop_ Fishing gear plastic string and filaments exclusively from dolly ropes Strings and filaments from blue, black or orange string that are used to protect bottom trawling nets against wear and tear. A dolly rope consists of around 30 strings; each string has around 25 threads. Image
233 J233 pl_fi_net_strg_fish_ Fishing gear other plastic string and filaments exclusively from fishery Other string and filaments exclusively from fishery.

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234 J234 pl_fi_net_tang_mixd_ Fishing gear plastic tangled nets and rope without dolly rope or mixed with dolly rope Tangled pieces of plastic open-meshed material made of twine, cord, or something similar, used typically for catching fish. They may be found tangled with rope or dolly rope. Image
235 J235 pl_fi_net_tang_tadr_ Fishing gear plastic tangled dolly rope Tangles of blue, black or orange rope that are used to protect bottom trawling nets against wear and tear. A dolly rope consists of around 30 strings; each string has around 25 threads. The dolly rope string as well as the separated threads can occur in tangles in the marine environment. Tangles of dolly rope should consist entirely of dolly rope. Image
236 J236 pl_hy_ohy_ other plastic personal hygiene and care items Other identifiable personal hygiene and care items that do not fit in any other category of this list. Can be made of other materials than artificial polymers. Image
237 J237 pl_hy_wws_ SUP plastic wet wipes A small disposable synthetic cloth treated with a cleansing agent, used especially for personal hygiene. Image
238 J238 pl_nn_bag_mesh_vege_ plastic mesh bags for vegetable, fruit and other products A special mesh bag made out of polypropylene, polyethylene or high-density polyethylene used for packaging and transporting agricultural products such as vegetables, fruit, bird feed, etc. Image
239 J239 pl_nn_fom_nfpy_ other foamed plastic items and fragments not made of foamed polystyrene Items and fragments not made of foamed polystyrene (other than packaging or insulation related) made out of foamed sponge-like plastic, such as mattresses, bathing sponges, etc. Image
24 J24 pl_nn_b&c_lids_ring_ plastic rings from bottle caps/lids Plastic structures around the circumference (usually) of the closure that is often found attached below a closure in bottles, jars, and tubs. The bottom part of a cap that breaks off when the cap is screwed off. Image
240 J240 pl_nn_idp_idfd_ other identifiable foamed plastic items Items that are made of foamed polystyrene, which are identifiable but do not fit in any other litter type category in this list. Image
241 J241 pl_nn_idp_idnf_ other identifiable non-foamed plastic items Items that are made of non-foamed artificial polymers, which are identifiable but do not fit in any other litter type category in this list. Image
242 J242 pl_nn_rps_strg_nodr_ plastic string and cord (diameter less than 1cm) not from dolly ropes or unidentified A material consisting of threads made of plastic twisted together to form a thin length, with a diameter smaller than 1 cm; excluding string and cord from dolly ropes. Image
243 J243 pl_re_fwo_ plastic remains of fireworks The plastic remains of fireworks such as caps of rockets, covers for fuses, exploding parts of battery fireworks. Image
25 J25 pl_sm_tob_ plastic tobacco pouches / plastic cigarette packet packaging Plastic containers (pouches, boxes) used for cigarettes and tobacco. Image
252 J252 pl_cl_glv_sugl_ single-use plastic gloves Single-use plastic gloves used for example in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Image
253 J253 pl_md_msk_ plastic single-use face-mask Single-use facemask used to protect against for example dust, chemicals and pathogens (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic). Image
256 J256 pl_co_fom_pain_insu_ foamed plastic insulation including spray foam Lightweight cellular foam (mainly foamed PU and PE materials) used especially for insulation (i.e., in walls, roofs, and foundations as thermal insulation and water barrier). Includes spray foam. Image
257 J257 pl_nn_fom_pain_pack_ foamed plastic packaging Lightweight cellular foam (mainly foamed PU and PE materials) used as a packing material. Image
26 J26 pl_sm_lht_ plastic cigarette lighters Small objects that produce a flame, commonly used for lighting cigarettes or cigars. Image
27 J27 pl_sm_but_ SUP tobacco products with filters (cigarette butts with filters) A cigarette filter, also known as a filter tip, is a component of a cigarette, placed at the one tip of the cigarette in order to absorb vapours and accumulate particulate smoke components. The filter is commonly made from synthetic plastic cellulose. Image
28 J28 pl_nn_pen_ plastic pens and pen lids Any writing or drawing utensils, their parts and lids, made predominately from artificial polymer materials. Image
29 J29 pl_hy_com_ plastic combs/hair brushes/sunglasses Plastic items used for untangling or arranging the hair, as well as plastic glasses tinted to protect the eyes from sunlight or glare. Image
3 J3 pl_nn_bag_cabg_ SUP plastic shopping/carrier/grocery bags Shopping bags are medium-sized bags, typically around 10-20 litres in volume (though much larger versions exist, especially for non-grocery shopping), that are used by shoppers to carry home their purchases. Shopping bags can be made with a variety of plastics. Image
30 J30 pl_fc_wrp_cwls_crsp_ SUP plastic crisps packets/sweets wrappers Plastic food packets and wrappers created and designed in various colours, materials, shapes, sizes and styles for crisp food products (i.e. potato chips, etc.) or sweets (i.e. chocolates, candy, ice-creams, etc.). Image
31 J31 pl_fc_wrp_cwls_loly_ SUP plastic lolly & ice-cream sticks A plastic stick attached to the bottom of a popsicle/lolly/ice-cream or lollypop used as a handle to facilitate the eating process.

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32 J32 pl_re_toy_ plastic toys and party poppers Any plastic object that children play with, as well as objects commonly used at parties. Party poppers are small devices used as an amusement at parties, which explode when a string is pulled, ejecting thin paper streamers. Image
36 J36 pl_nn_bag_hdsa_ohds_ other plastic heavy-duty sacks Non-salt heavy duty plastic sacks for content such as animal feed, fertilizers, garden rubbish, etc. Image
4 J4 pl_nn_bag_smbg_ SUP small plastic bags Small plastic bags refer to small-sized bags such as freezer bags, zip-lock re-sealable food bags, poly bags, etc. Image
40 J40 pl_cl_glv_hogl_ plastic gloves (household/dishwashing, gardening) Gloves used to do household chores such as dishwashing gardening, etc. They are typically made of different polymers, including latex, nitrile rubber, polyvinyl chloride. Less heavy-duty than industrial gloves. Image
41 J41 pl_cl_glv_ingl_ plastic gloves (industrial/professional applications) Gloves specifically dedicated to industrial applications, mechanical, engineering, agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture and construction. They are typically made of different polymers, including latex, nitrile rubber, polyvinyl chloride and neoprene. Image
42 J42 pl_fi_trp_crab_ Fishing gear plastic crab/lobster traps (pots) and tops Stationary plastic traps or pots used to catch crustaceans such as lobsters and crabs. Though the size and shape of the traps may vary, most feature a net covering and a cone-shaped entrance tunnel through which a crab or lobster is enticed with bait but cannot escape from. Image
43 J43 pl_nn_tag_ plastic tags (fishing, shipping, farming and industry) Plastic tags used to mark fish and shellfish such as lobsters and plastic cargo seals (pull-tight) both usually with a serial number. Also, animal tags from farming. Image
44 J44 pl_fi_trp_octo_ Fishing gear plastic octopus pots Pots made of plastic or PVC tubing, weighted with concrete, and typically having a volume of 4 litres. Octopus seeking refuge in the pots can be trapped.

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45 J45 pl_aq_shf_sack_ Fishing gear plastic mussels/oyster mesh bags, net sack, socks A special bag or sack made of extruded net which is used for growing (underwater) oysters and other shellfish species. These bags can have different sizes and shapes, e.g. sack-like and tubular and the mesh net can have different sizes. Image
46 J46 pl_aq_shf_oyst_ Fishing gear plastic oyster trays A special tray made of square mesh used for growing oysters. Trays may be single, double or triple stacked, with or without feet, doors, v-braces and hooks.

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47 J47 pl_aq_shf_tahi_ Fishing gear plastic sheeting from mussel culture (Tahitians) Pieces of plastic sheeting about 50X40 cm which are cut at one end into fringes or stripes, so they look a little like a grass skirt from Hawaii. They are used to protect mussel cultures from animals that feed on mussels. Image
49 J49 pl_nn_rps_rope_ plastic rope (diameter more than 1cm) A stout cord of strands of plastic fibres twisted or braided together, with a diameter larger than 1 cm. Image
5 J5 pl_nn_bag_ends_ SUP the part that remains from tear-off plastic bags Plastic packing bags are commonly found on the market in packs of 10, 20, 50, etc. This litter item refers to the part that remains after tearing-off the bags.

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53 J53 pl_fi_net_smal_ Fishing gear plastic nets and pieces of net 2.5 cm >= <= 50 cm Pieces of plastic open-meshed material made of twine, cord, or something similar, used typically for catching fish; smaller than 50 cm in the longest dimension. Image
54 J54 pl_fi_net_larg_ Fishing gear plastic nets and pieces of net > 50cm Pieces of plastic open-meshed material made of twine, cord, or something similar, used typically for catching fish; bigger than 50 cm in the longest dimension. Image
57 J57 pl_fi_box_plbx_ Fishing gear fish boxes - hard plastic Boxes made of plastic materials (other than expanded polystyrene), which are used for packaging fish or other seafood. Image
58 J58 pl_fi_box_fbox_ Fishing gear fish boxes - foamed polystyrene Boxes made of foamed polystyrene, which are used for packaging fish or other seafood. Image
59 J59 pl_fi_lin_ Fishing gear plastic fishing line A long nylon thread, usually attached to a baited hook, with a sinker or float, and used for catching fish. The fishing line may be found tangled or not and with or without hooks, sinkers and floats. Image
60 J60 pl_fi_fil_ Fishing gear plastic fishing light sticks / fishing glow sticks incl. packaging An item that is used by anglers in order to make baits more attractive to fish. Fishing light sticks or glow sticks are typically tubes filled with fluorescent fluid. They can be found in a variety of sizes. Image
61 J61 pl_fi_ofi_ Fishing gear other plastic fisheries related items not covered by other categories Other fisheries related litter items that are not explicitly addressed by the fisheries related items included on this list, e.g. soft and hard plastic baits such as wobblers, spinners, etc. Image
62 J62 pl_fi_flb_ Fishing gear plastic floats for fishing nets An item attached to the top of some types of fishing nets, like seine and trammel that keeps them hanging vertically in the water. Floats come in different sizes and shapes. Image
63 J63 pl_nn_flb_ plastic floats/buoys other source than fishing or not known Plastic floats/buoys other source than fishing or not known. Floating devices that serve as navigation marks, marking reefs or other hazards, mooring locations. They can be anchored (stationary) or allowed to drift with ocean currents. Image
64 J64 pl_nn_fen_ plastic fenders Plastic cushions (such as foam rubber) placed between a boat and a dock or between two boats to lessen shock and prevent chafing. Image
65 J65 pl_nn_buc_ plastic buckets A roughly cylindrical open container with a handle made of plastic and used to hold and carry liquids Image
66 J66 pl_nn_stb_ plastic strapping bands Plastic bands and straps used for fastening any type of package. Polypropylene and polyester strapping is the most commonly used plastic strapping on the market. Usually made of quite hard plastic. Image
67 J67 pl_nn_cpa_shet_ plastic sheets, industrial packaging, sheeting Large plastic packaging or sheeting used for the protection or covering/wrapping of large cargo objects. Plastic sheeting is used for a variety of industrial and commercial applications. It comes in many sizes, strengths, styles, and colours depending on the application. Image
68 J68 pl_nn_fib_ fibre glass items Items made of fibreglass, a common type of fibre-reinforced plastic using glass fibre. Examples of fibreglass items include water pipes, pods, domes, traffic lights, pieces of boats etc. Image
69 J69 pl_cl_hdw_helm_ plastic hard hats/helmets A hard or padded protective hat, various types of which are worn by construction workers, workers from offshore installations, soldiers, police officers, motorcyclists, sports players, and others. Image
7 J7 pl_fc_b&c_dbot_smll_ SUP plastic drink bottles <= 0.5 l Plastic bottles and containers with a volume of 0.5 litres or less, used to hold water, juice or other drinks for consumption. Image
70 J70 pl_hu_car_ plastic shotgun cartridges A shotgun cartridge is a self-contained cartridge often loaded with multiple metallic "shot", which are small, generally spherical projectiles. The shells consist of a plastic tube mounted on a brass base holding a primer. Also, plastic wads from shotgun cartridges can be found on their own. Image
72 J72 pl_nn_tfk_ plastic traffic cones Plastic cone-shaped objects that are used to separate off or close sections of a road. Image
79 J79 pl_nn_frg_nofp_smal_ fragments of non-foamed plastic 2.5cm >= <= 50cm Fragments of plastic that are bigger than 2.5 cm and smaller than 50 cm in the longest dimension and originate from unidentifiable plastic non-foamed polystyrene items. Image
8 J8 pl_fc_b&c_dbot_lage_ SUP plastic drink bottles >0.5 l Plastic bottles and containers with a volume larger than 0.5 litres, used to hold water, juice or other drinks for consumption. Image
80 J80 pl_nn_frg_nofp_larg_ fragments of non-foamed plastic > 50cm Fragments of plastic that are larger than 50 cm in the longest dimension and originate from unidentifiable plastic non-foamed polystyrene items.

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82 J82 pl_nn_frg_fopy_smal_ fragments of foamed polystyrene 2.5 cm >=<= 50 cm Fragments of foamed polystyrene that are bigger than 2.5 cm and smaller than 50 cm in the longest dimension and originate from unidentifiable polystyrene items. Image
83 J83 pl_nn_frg_fopy_larg_ fragments of foamed polystyrene > 50cm Fragments of foamed polystyrene that are bigger than 50 cm in the longest dimension and originate from unidentifiable polystyrene items. Image
84 J84 pl_nn_cds_ plastic CDs & DVDs Small plastic discs (and their keep cases) on which sound and data can be stored (CDs & DVDs). Image
85 J85 pl_fi_bag_hdsa_salt_ Fishing gear plastic commercial salt packaging Heavy-duty sacks and other containers used for packaging and shipping salt. Image
86 J86 pl_re_div_ plastic fin trees (from fins for scuba diving) The plastic supports placed inside diving flippers or fins to keep them in shape. Image
87 J87 pl_nn_tap_ plastic masking/duct/packing tape Different sorts of plastic adhesive tape: used in painting, to cover areas on which paint is not wanted (masking tape); strong cloth-backed waterproof adhesive tape (duct tape); box-sealing tape, parcel tape or packing tape used for closing or sealing corrugated fibreboard boxes. Image
88 J88 pl_nn_tel_ telephone Mobile phone devices and any other type of telephones. Image
89 J89 pl_co_oco_ plastic construction waste (not foamed insulation) Plastic waste materials generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings or structures. These may include drainage pipes, waste pipes, plastic tubes for cables, etc. Not foamed insulation materials. Image
9 J9 pl_nn_b&c_clng_ plastic bottles and containers of cleaning products Bottles and containers of cleaning products such as detergents, toilet cleaners, glass cleaners, etc. Image
90 J90 pl_ag_pot_ plastic flower pots A plastic container in which plants are grown. Image
91 J91 pl_nn_bio_ plastic biomass holder from sewage treatment plants and aquaculture Plastic Filter Media or Biofiltration Media are small (1-4 cm diameter ca. 1 cm high) usually round plastic items that look a bit like a cake. Image
92 J92 pl_fi_bte_ Fishing gear plastic bait containers/packaging Plastic packaging (pouches, bags) and plastic containers suitable for storing, transporting, selling fishing baits. Image
93 J93 pl_nn_cbt_ plastic cable ties A cable tie (also known as a wire tie, hose tie, steggel tie, zap strap or zip tie, and by the brand names Ty-Rap and Panduit strap) is a type of fastener, for holding items together, primarily electrical cables or wires. Image
95 J95 pl_hy_cbs_ SUP plastic cotton bud sticks A short plastic stick with a small amount of cotton on each end that is used for cleaning, especially the ears. The cotton is usually no-longer attached. The ends are rough when touched, where the cotton was attached. This feature can be used to separate from lolly sticks. Image
96 J96 pl_hy_stt_sant_ SUP plastic sanitary towels/panty liners/backing strips Sanitary towels/panty liners/backing strips.

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97 J97 pl_hy_tfr_ plastic toilet fresheners Toilet bowl fresheners, which are attached inside the toilet bowl to keep it smelling fresh. Image
98 J98 pl_hy_dap_ plastic diapers/nappies Basic garments for infants consisting of absorbent synthetic polymer material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist, used to retain urine and faeces.

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99 J99 pl_md_syg_ plastic syringes/needles A plastic tube with a nozzle and piston or bulb for sucking in and ejecting liquid in a thin stream, used for cleaning wounds or body cavities, or fitted with a hollow needle for injecting or withdrawing fluids. Included all parts of syringes (e.g. syringe plunger and the metal needle with plastic adapter) found separately. Image