Join Matanzas Riverkeeper and Waterkeeper Alliance, in partnership with Surfrider, Oceana, and Environment America, for the second Annual International Plastic Pellet Count.

Throughout the month of May, volunteers around the world will collect plastic pellets to help document pre-production plastic pollution and improve understanding of where it is found.

Plastic pellet (nurdles) releases to the environment have likely been occurring since the mass production of plastic began in the 1950s. The first documented evidence of nurdles in scientific literature was in 1972. Many peer-reviewed research papers are now available on the impacts these tiny plastic pellets are having on the environment.

The Nurdle Patrol data collected by community scientists are showing high concentrations of pellets at beaches, riverbanks, at plastic manufacturing sites, along railroads used for transporting pellets, at distribution centers, and at processing plants. The problem of plastic pellet loss is wide-spread throughout the entire supply chain and solutions to remedy the problem can be imbedded in regulation, policy, and cooperation with industry and regulatory agencies.

• Guidance Document & Trainings:
  • Waterkeeper Alliance created a detailed guidance document.
  • Five-minute training from Nurdle Patrol on how to do a pellet count
  • 30-minute webinar with training and discussion of how pellets impact communities, with a great presentation from Conagree Riverkeeper

The Litter Gitter is a program of Matanzas Riverkeeper that takes members of our community out on the river to remove trash from our waterways and to learn about litter issues.

• Trips generally last about 2 hours (please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled cleanup time).
• We recommend sun protection including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Please bring a reusable water bottle (no single-use plastic or styrofoam). 
• All volunteers are required to wear closed-toe, protective footwear (waterproof boots are recommended). No sandals or flip flops.
• Be sure to wear clothing you don't mind getting wet and muddy.
• The Litter Gitter II will provide all the tools and equipment necessary to collect debris.
• Please submit an RSVP for each person attending.

Litter Gitter trips are open to the public and offered free of charge, but donations to cover operation costs are appreciated.