Cash for Trash – one year on!

Since February 2019, APEM have been running the ‘Cash for Trash’ initiative. This involves APEM field scientists collecting litter whilst out surveying the length and breadth of the country. Over 150 bags of litter have been collected from 70 sites all over the UK, from Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of White in Hampshire. For each bag of litter collected, APEM and partners donate £1 to charity.

 

With single use plastics like water bottles and crisp packets making up a high proportion of the litter, the field team’s efforts are contributing to the fight against plastic pollution. If left on riverbanks and in  waterways, the plastics will eventually degrade into microscopic fragments that are virtually impossible to remove. These fragments and toxins pollute our waters, our seas and harm wildlife. We aim to intercept litter before it can make its way to our oceans.

On the Cash for Trash initiative’s one year anniversary, and with the Great British Spring Clean around the corner, we take a look back at our achievements:

• 150 bags of litter collected from 70 locations across the UK
• Secured match funding from for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water
• Charitable donations to Keep Britain Tidy and Afonydd Cymru
• Association with international non-profit campaign Big Blue Ocean Cleanup
• Image library of litter collected

 

Alongside the Cash for Trash initiative, APEM also undertakes sponsored litter clean-ups on the River Irwell using a purpose-built Litter Boat. APEM have been operating this vessel for 9 years with continued sponsorship from the Environment Agency, Rivers Trust and local businesses. This work, alongside Cash For Trash made headlines in the BBC and Business Manchester.