UK Nature and Environment

Volunteers have recorded finding less litter in this year’s Plasticblitz across the UK compared to last year, despite groups spending more time litter picking in 2024 than 2023, according to environmental charity Thames21.

The charity, which led the organisation of the mass clean-up, in partnership with the Environment Agency and Rotary, saw a record number of hours spent cleaning up rivers. Teams across the UK clocked over 149 hours of litter picking and citizen science – a 12% increase from the previous year. A total of 466 bin bags worth of litter were collected this year, compared to around 699 bags last year. Plasticblitz 2024 (22nd June to 7th July) also saw a higher number of organised litter picks – 54 in total, of which 21 were based in London.

The Plasticblitz, which first launched in 2021, engages community groups, Rotary Clubs and Environment Agency teams in a mass litter pick and citizen science event. Its key aim is to collect data on the most common plastic items found in and round rivers to educate consumers and advocate for change in business and policy.