Drinks litter

Drinks litter includes cans, plastic bottles, bottle tops, glass bottles, cartons and foil pouches.

Many of these items are easily recyclable, however, an estimated 8.4 billion plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans were littered, landfilled or incinerated in the UK in 2024 – a huge waste of valuable resources and impact on the environment.

Drinks 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 show the extent of drinks 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.

Litter data

72.6%

sites had drinks litter

4345202

estimated items

39.8%

were cans

An individual using a deposit return scheme

Deposit return scheme set for launch

A deposit return scheme (DRS) involves paying a small monetary deposit when customers buy a drink, which gets refunded when they return their bottle or can to a designated collection point.

Deposit return schemes make it easier for people to do the right thing, reduce litter on our streets, parks and beaches, and keep valuable materials in use for longer.

It is a practical, proven approach that can deliver real environmental benefits for communities across Wales.

We have been calling for a DRS for nearly two decades, so we’re delighted Wales intends to move ahead with a scheme that retains glass and builds a clear pathway to reuse.

Click the link below to read our full statement following the announcement on 12 February 2026.

Read our statement

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

Tackling the issue

Litter prevention needs to be at the heart of our efforts, by prioritising reduction and reuse.

We’re confident a deposit return scheme will lead to a cleaner Wales, but we need people to do the right thing now!

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