Plastic pellets on beaches - please report sightings
Following a recent vessel collision in the River Tyne, small plastic pellets known as 'nurdles' have been reported washing up on some Sunderland beaches. The risk to public health is considered very low. While the pellets are non-toxic, they can pose a risk to wildlife and animals if ingested. If you see any pellets on the city's beaches or shoreline, please report them.
Report sightings at www.sunderland.gov.uk/plastic-pellets
When reporting a sighting, please include:
- The location (using what3words if possible)
- Date and time seen
- A photo where possible
- Approximate amount of pellets seen
Council teams are monitoring the city's beaches and working closely with partner organisations, including the Environment Agency, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Port of Tyne, to assess the situation and support efforts to remove pellets from any areas where they are identified.
If you do come across any pellets, please avoid handling them and keep dogs on leads.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
