In March 2026, over 68,000 people took part in the Big Plastic Count. For one week, schools, households, community groups and workplaces across the UK counted their plastic waste.
The results reveal the shocking scale of the UK’s big plastic problem…
The citizen scientists counted over 1.5 million pieces of plastic. It is estimated that UK households throw away 82 billion in a year.
82% is from food and drink products.
The Big Count are asking the UK Government to:
- Remove plastic packaging from uncut fruit and vegetables by 2030
- Stop the construction of new waste incinerators immediately
- Introduce a phased ban on UK plastic waste exports overseas
Let’s hope they pay attention.
Results 2026 (Home Page) | The Big Plastic Count