Plastic pollution

Plastic is everywhere. It’s strong, long lasting and cheap. This is great for some products which need to preserve food or other items but our over-reliance on single-use plastics has contributed to our current ‘throwaway’ society.

Some of these items are used for just a few minutes but they have not gone away. Only a small proportion of plastics is recycled globally, with some ending up in landfill, while others have been dispersed into our soils, rivers and oceans and broken down into tiny plastic particles called ‘microplastics’.

Plastic litter data

We collect data through robust litter surveys using GLÂN (Geospatial Litter Analysis) – our world‑leading methodology for monitoring and analysing litter trends.

These figures highlight the plastic items commonly recorded as litter across Wales last year in publicly accessible areas including streets, car parks, parks and green spaces, and designated bathing water beaches.

For the all the latest litter survey results, visit our litter data page.

Litter data

37.7%

sites had plastic bottles

30.6%

sites had wet wipes

8.7%

sites had single-use cups

Understanding the issue

There are some stark facts and figures that show just how serious the plastic problem is:

Plastic is derived from oil – a fossil fuel which contributes towards climate change.
Many plastic items are lightweight, so they travel easily around the environment in wind and rain.
Plastic can cause injury or death to wildlife and livestock, and it can often be mistaken for food which means that plastic enters the food chain.
Plastic items can contain, absorb or leach toxic chemicals into the environment which can impact human health.
Very small plastic particles have been found in a human body, but research into the potential impacts of plastics are ongoing.

Wide rear view of a medium group of young and mid-adult friends enjoying a day out in scenic countryside

Tackling the issue

The scale of the challenge can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. Governments around the world are working together on solutions to tackle plastic pollution.

In Wales, the single-use plastics ban has significantly reduced the use of items like plastic straws and cutlery, and future legislation to reduce plastic is in progress. There is also growing interest in sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.

Litter prevention needs to be at the heart of our efforts, by prioritising reduction, reuse and repair.
Of course, even the small actions we take as individuals can add up to make a big difference. Simple steps like carrying a reusable water bottle, coffee cup or shopping bags, and choosing loose fruit and vegetables all help.

In 2025, we relaunched our ‘Make Memories, Not Mess’ campaign to encourage people to leave no trace while enjoying our stunning beaches, parks and beauty spots.

Want to help us spread the message? Visit our Brandbag site to download posters and social media graphics #MakeMemoriesNotMess.

Go to Brandbag