11/09/2026
Nurdles are tiny plastic pellets the size of a lentil and come in many colours.They are the raw material for nearly all plastic products.
Nurdles spill at every stage of the plastic supply chain, such as at the production sites, where poor handling or waste management leads to leaks.
While in transport, where containers full of nurdles are lost at sea due to poor securing, corrosion, collision or storms.
Or spills during melting, molding, or waste processing.
Unfortunately once nurdles are in the environment they're nearly impossible to clean up.
They wash into drains, rivers, and oceans, where currents spread them all over the world.
They absorb toxins, harm wildlife, and last for decades.
Infact they are the second largest source of primary microplastic pollution, breaking down into smaller microplastics, contaminating food chains and ecosystems.
Most recently in the UK, 2 vessels collided, in July, at the Port of Tyne, South Shields, which led to an estimated billion nurdles spilling into the water. Campaigners estimate up to 17 tonnes.
The cleanup is a huge undertaking with volunteers working tirelessly, including members from the North Tyneside Green Party,with reports of nurdles washing up on over 80 miles of coast line.
Sadly there is no practical way to remove nurdles once spilled, which is why it is so important to collect and document these tiny plastic pellets.
From the 4th of September to the 4th of October, Fidra.org.uk are inviting organisations and individuals to take part in documenting this huge environmental problem.
Go to their website to find out more and how you can help in the Barrow and Furness area :
https://www.nurdlehunt.org.uk/take-part.html
Sources/Resources: Fidra and the Guardian
