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We really can’t do this alone. We’re a charity, which means we rely on the generosity, goodwill and support of the public and partners that we work with.

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Our work

We take action to make a positive difference and our work ranges far and wide.

We deliver practical action, environmental education, training, business services and environmental solutions across Wales.

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Litter and waste
Green spaces
Environmental excellence
Young people

Litter from the air

Fireworks, balloons and sky lanterns may look appealing, but they cause serious problems. Fireworks can start fires, cause accidents, frighten animals and release toxic pollution. Once released, balloons and sky lanterns can travel long distances and often end up on farmland or in the sea, where they harm or kill livestock and wildlife. Sky lanterns are especially dangerous as they can start fires and are sometimes mistaken for distress flares.

In February 2018, all local authorities in Wales introduced voluntary bans on releasing sky lanterns.

Fireworks in the night sky

Litter from the air 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 show the extent of balloon and firework litter across Wales last year in publicly accessible areas including streets, car parks, parks and green spaces, and designated bathing water beaches.

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


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Litter data

5.2%

sites had balloons

0.6%

sites had fireworks

Explore other issues


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Air quality

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Dog fouling

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Reuban, the Welsh sheep dog walking along a footpath in the countryside

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Roadside litter

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Fast-food packaging littered on a road

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Drinks litter

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A collection of glass bottles

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Plastic pollution

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Plastic bottle on pavement

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Chewing gum

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Chewing gum staining on a pavement next to a bin

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Smoking and vape litter

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A discarded cigarette and packets on a street

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Drug litter

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Discarded needles in undergrowth

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Enforcement

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A dog walker using a bin

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Fly-tipping

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Keep Wales Tidy staff removing a fridge from a lake

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Marine litter

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Litter washed up on the shoreline

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Public infrastructure

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Other environmental issues

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Graffiti in an underpass
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