Nurdle Spill Update
Wear Rivers Trust is providing an update for residents across the River Wear catchment following the significant nurdle spill at the Port of Tyne last week.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness described the incident as “one of the biggest, if not the biggest pollution incidents in Europe involving the spillage of these nurdles.” An estimated one billion nurdles are believed to have entered the marine environment.
A clean-up operation is underway, but tidal movement has redistributed nurdles from the Port of Tyne as far south as the Wear catchment, with the potential for them to continue moving further along the coastline.
Tyne Rivers Trust has produced a comprehensive update on the incident, its environmental impacts and the ongoing response. We encourage you to read their article to learn more and support the efforts of all organisations involved in the clean-up.
What are nurdles?
Nurdles are small plastic pellets, typically less than 5mm in size, which are transported around the world as the raw material used to manufacture a wide range of plastic products.
Although small, they can have a significant impact on wildlife and the environment. Many animals mistake nurdles for food, which can lead to injury or starvation, while others may experience respiratory problems through exposure. Plastic pollution can also contribute to wider environmental impacts, including rising sea temperatures and ecosystem degradation.
Incidents such as this reinforce the importance of preventing plastic pollution and support our long-term vision of achieving a Plastic Free River Wear.
If you find nurdles
If you encounter nurdles, please follow the guidance below:
- Report sightings to your local authority, including the location (using What3Words or a similar location app where possible), an estimate of the quantity, the date and time, and a photograph if it is safe to do so.
- Do not touch or attempt to independently collect the nurdles.
- Keep dogs and other animals on a lead to prevent contact.
- Avoid disturbing the nurdles, as this can make clean-up efforts more difficult.
- Check official guidance, advice may change as the response continues.
Some councils are exploring how volunteers may be able to support organised clean-up activity safely. Any confirmed opportunities will be shared through their official channels. In our own catchment Sunderland Green Party are holding clean up events twice a day on Roker Beach. These efforts are easy to get involved in with only a sieve and plastic bag needed.
Report a sighting
Durham County Council
Email nurdles@durham.gov.uk with the location, an estimate of the number seen, the date and time of the sighting, and a photograph if possible.
South Tyneside Council
Email nurdles@southtyneside.gov.uk.
Sunderland City Council
Report sightings using Sunderland City Council’s online resident portal.
Reports can also be submitted to The Great Nurdle Hunt. However, these reports are not routinely shared with local authorities, so we recommend reporting directly to your local council to help coordinate the clean-up as effectively as possible.
Thank you for helping to protect our rivers, coastline and wildlife.