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Caerphilly County Borough Council’s first marine clean up proves successful.

This autumn, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Keep Wales Tidy are calling upon volunteers to dust off those trusty litter pickers, pledge their support and take part in Marine Clean Cymru, targeting rivers, waterways, and beaches across Wales.

Marine litter is a growing threat to our aquatic and coastal environment, with 80% coming from land-based sources. Most litter found in our waterways eventually makes its way into our oceans, so it is an issue which is not only relevant to coastal areas. The problem needs to be stopped at source, keeping our beaches and waterways clean so wildlife can thrive, and we can make the most of our beautiful environment.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s first clean up took place on Cliff Road in Blackwood and saw volunteers collect 20 bags of litter, a pram and six shopping trolleys, which may have otherwise polluted the nearby Sirhowy River.

Marine Clean Cymru runs from Friday 16 September to Sunday 2 October 2022, targeting all waterways throughout Wales, including rivers, streams, canals, and estuaries. From your favourite beach to the quiet stream in your village, you can make a difference and help tackle marine litter.

Additional CCBC litter picking events will take place in litter hotspots in close proximity to local rivers, including:

• 30th September, Trehir access road
• 7th October Newbridge Fields, under the A472 by the Otter

Each event will take place 10.30am-12pm and all equipment will be provided.

Cllr Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member for Waste, Leisure & Green spaces Corporate said: “We are so happy to be supporting Keep Wales Tidy and their Marine Clean Cymru campaign and are thrilled to see volunteers supporting such an important cause.

“We are very lucky to have an abundance of green space and three rivers running through our borough, so it is vital that we all play our part in keeping them clean and free from litter.”