Plastic pellets on beaches (nurdles)

What we're doing about the plastic pellets washing up on North Tyneside beaches.

North Tyneside Council is continuing to work with partner organisations following the vessel collision at the Port of Tyne, which led to plastic pellets, known as "nurdles", entering the River Tyne and washing up on beaches across parts of the North East coastline. 

Nurdles are small plastic pellets used to make everyday items such as food packaging, bottles and household products. While they are not considered toxic, they can harm wildlife and marine animals if swallowed. The risk to public health remains very low. 

Working together

The response is being coordinated through the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), which brings together councils, emergency services, environmental agencies and other organisations to respond to major incidents. North Tyneside Council has been involved from the start and continues to work closely with partners to coordinate recovery activity, environmental monitoring and communications. 

Beach inspections and clean-up

Our teams began inspecting beaches and carrying out clean-up work as soon as nurdles were reported on North Tyneside's coastline. Daily beach inspections continue to identify where nurdles are collecting so resources can be directed to the areas that need them most. 

We are working alongside specialist contractor Briggs Marine, which has experience of managing this type of incident and uses specialist equipment to recover nurdles while minimising disturbance to the beach environment. 

The clean-up operation includes:

  • Daily beach inspections and monitoring
  • Targeted clean-up work in the areas most affected
  • Ongoing surveys to identify any new affected locations
  • Safe collection, storage and management of recovered material
  • Signage and information to support volunteers

Council colleagues from a range of services have also been supporting recovery work on the coastline. 

Supporting volunteers

If you are heading to the beaches and want to help, or if you’ve already been helping, here are a few things to consider. 

  • Stay off wet sand and the tideline wherever possible. Check tide times and only work in areas that can be accessed safely.
  • Be aware of changing weather and sea conditions.
  • Familiarise yourself with the nearest designated collection point before you begin.
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke while collecting nurdles.
  • Keep well clear of contractor vehicles, machinery and marked work areas. Specialist teams are operating equipment on site and should not be approached.
  • Avoid walking over areas where nurdles have accumulated. Foot traffic can push them deeper into the sand, making them much more difficult to remove.
  • If you discover a large concentration of nurdles, please report it through the online reporting form below rather than attempting to clear it yourself.

If you are planning to take part, please ensure you:

  • always wear gloves; do not handle with bare hands
  • use heavy-duty bags that can be collected by the council
  • wear suitable clothing for the weather, and
  • wear sturdy footwear appropriate for beach conditions.

When you’re finished, please remember to:

  • wash hands thoroughly
  • please place any disposable gloves in a bin
  • clean footwear, gloves and equipment before leaving the beach to avoid transporting pellets elsewhere, and
  • take any collected nurdles to the designated collection sites.

Anyone under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We also recommend keeping dogs and other pets on leads in affected areas because of the risk of ingestion.

Anyone looking to get involved or volunteer, can contact VODA North Tyneside at admin@voda.org.uk 

Collection points 

The maps attached below have designated collection points for each beach. These will be clearly marked on site. Our teams will regularly be checking these points to remove and store the collected nurdles appropriately.

Tide times

Make sure you are aware of tide times before you go. You can find those below. 

River Tyne tide times

When taking part in a clear-up, look out for the high tide line. The most effective way to do it is to start when high tide ends and follow it out. 

Report nurdles

Report plastic pellets on beaches

Frequently asked questions

If you have any queries, email nurdles@northtyneside.gov.uk

Current position

What has happened?

Plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, have been reported on parts of the North East coastline following a vessel collision in the River Tyne on Sunday 19 July 2026. The Council is responding to reports of pellets washing up on sections of the Borough’s coastline and is working with partners to assess the extent of contamination and support clean-up activity where appropriate.

The Port of Tyne has issued a statement relating to the initial incident. You can read this here Port of Tyne Update: Plastic Pellet Spill Response | Port of Tyne.

What are nurdles?

Nurdles are tiny plastic pellets, usually around 1–5mm in size, used as raw material to manufacture plastic products such as packaging, bottles and containers.

Where have nurdles been found?

Nurdles have been reported on sections of the North East coastline. They have washed up across the shoreline, mainly near the Tyne in South and North Shields and some have been reported along Wearside and Northumberland coastline.

Are more pellets expected to wash up?

Nurdles can move with tides, wind and currents. They may continue to move with the tide and may come ashore over more than one tide cycle.

How much material has been released?

The exact quantity of nurdles released into the environment is still being assessed by the relevant agencies. Partners are working to understand how much material was involved, how much remains contained, and how much has been recovered.

Clean-up operation

What is the Council doing?

Council teams are monitoring affected locations, supporting a coordinated clean-up operation with partner organisations, and working with the Environment Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Port of Tyne, neighbouring local authorities, the Mayoral Strategic Authority specialist contractors and other agencies to assess the extent of contamination and support removal where appropriate.

How is the clean-up being carried out?

Clean-up activity is being coordinated around tidal conditions, with planned work ongoing.

Why is it taking time?

The nurdle clean-up is manual and time-consuming, involving methods such as rakes, brushes, sieves and bags. Nurdles are very small and can spread with tide, wind and currents. Nurdles can float, wash up on the beach and sink to the seabed.  They may be mixed with sand, stones, seaweed or other beach material. There is some equipment that makes the clean-up process faster. This equipment is now in use along the coastline to support the clean-up.

Are specialist organisations involved?

Yes, we are working with specialist organisations including Briggs Marine, helping clean-up in areas affected by plastic pellets. Briggs Marine has specialist expertise and equipment to make the clean-up faster and more efficient.

Why are clean-ups being planned around tide times?

The pellets can be moved by the tide, and clean-up teams are working around tidal conditions to remove material as effectively as possible.

Why are partners weighing what they collect?

It is important to record the weight of collected nurdles so partners can understand how much material has been recovered over time and estimate what may remain in the environment.

What happens to the nurdles once collected?

Collected material needs to be stored, classified and disposed of appropriately.

What should I do if I see nurdles?

Report plastic pellets on North Tyneside beaches

Information on how to report nurdles across other Local Authorities can be found on each local authority website.

People can also help the clean-up operation by avoiding stepping on nurdles or pushing them deeper into the beach's surface.

Do not dig into the sand or use mechanical equipment to collect nurdles. This can damage beach habitats and wildlife.

Move as little seaweed as possible. Check around and underneath it for nurdles, then return it to where you found it.

Public Health/ Health and Safety

Are nurdles dangerous to people?

The public health risk on shore is considered to be very low. The plastic pellets are not toxic, but people are advised not to handle them.

Are the nurdles toxic?

The public health risks on shore are very low and that the plastic pellets are not toxic, but they can pose a risk to wildlife and other animals if ingested.

What should dog owners do?

Dogs should be kept on leads in affected areas and owners should prevent pets from eating or playing with pellets.

What if my dog eats nurdles?

Pellets can pose a risk to wildlife and other animals if ingested. If a dog or other pet eats pellets and you are concerned, contact a vet for advice.

Bathing

Is it safe to swim?

People should check the latest Environment Agency bathing water advice before entering the water.

The Environment Agency’s Swimfo service gives information on designated bathing waters, incidents, water quality sample results and any advice against bathing.

The Environment Agency bathing water quality site currently advises against bathing at some beaches due to poor water quality. This was in place before nurdles were found in the area.

Where should people check before swimming?

People should check the Environment Agency’s bathing water quality information before visiting a beach or entering the water. UKHSA’s wild swimming guidance advises people to check water quality through Swimfo before heading to a beach, lake or river, and the Environment Agency’s Swimfo service shows water quality information for designated bathing waters.

Bathing water quality

What general open water swimming advice should people follow?

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises people to observe local safety signs, avoid swallowing water or splashing it into the mouth where possible, cover cuts and scratches with a waterproof plaster, wash hands after swimming and seek medical help if they become ill after swimming.

Who decides whether there is advice against bathing?

The Environment Agency is responsible for bathing water quality information and advice on designated bathing waters.

Wildlife and environment

What impact can nurdles have on wildlife?

Nurdles can pose a risk to wildlife and other animals if they are ingested.

Why are nurdles a problem if they are not toxic?

Nurdles are small, persistent plastic pellets and can spread through the marine environment. They can be harmful to wildlife if mistaken for food and eaten by birds, fish or other marine animals, and they can be carried by wind and sea across beaches and coastal habitats.

What about protected wildlife sites?

Partners are considering environmental sensitivities, including SSSIs and other designated sites, as part of the response.

Should members of the public report injured wildlife?

Yes. If you find injured or distressed wildlife, please do not handle it. Contact an appropriate wildlife rescue organisation for advice. You can find information on reporting an injured animal here Report a dead or injured animal - GOV.UK.

Responsibility, costs and investigation

Who is leading the response?

This is a multi-agency response involving:

  • Local authorities, including North Tyneside
  • the Mayoral Strategic Authority
  • the Environment Agency
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
  • Port of Tyne,
  • Specialist contractors
  • National Trust
  • Other agencies.

Who is responsible for the incident?

The cause and circumstances of the vessel collision are subject to ongoing investigations.

Who will pay for the clean-up?

The Council will look to recover the costs of the clean-up from the insurers of those responsible.

Other

Why didn’t you prevent this?

The pellets entered the water following a vessel collision at the Port of Tyne. The Council’s role is to support the multi-agency response, protect the coastline, support clean-up and keep residents informed. The collision and wider circumstances are subject to relevant investigations.

How will people know when an area has been cleaned?

The Council will continue to provide updates as work progresses and more information becomes available. It is anticipated that the clean-up will take a considerable amount of time with repeat cleaning activity required at the same location as the nurdles move with the tide

Why are there still nurdles after clean-up teams have been out?

More pellets may wash ashore with tides, and multiple clean-ups may be required. There will be a need for ongoing clean-up rather than a single one-off removal

Are beaches closed?

No, beaches remain open at this time.

Can people still walk on the beach?

Yes. People visiting the coast should avoid handling any pellets, keep dogs on leads in affected areas, follow any on-site signage, and avoid areas where clean-up activity is taking place. People can also help the clean-up operation by avoiding stepping on nurdles or pushing them deeper into the beach's surface.

Are beaches being checked regularly?

Yes. Council teams are monitoring affected locations and supporting a coordinated clean-up operation.

Can I continue to visit the coastline

Yes, of course! The coastline continues to be open for business and leisure. There are lots of exciting activities taking place across our beautiful seafronts.

If you are out and about enjoying our fantastic coastline please be mindful of the important clean-up operation which is currently taking place. Please keep a distance to let our hardworking teams continue this important work.

Partner signposting

Where can people check bathing water quality?

GOV.UK has a bathing waters collection from Defra and the Environment Agency, including information on bathing water quality, classifications and local authority signage rules. GOV.UK: Bathing waters [gov.uk]

Where can people find general open water swimming health advice?

UKHSA has guidance on staying healthy while wild swimming, including checking water quality, observing local safety signs, avoiding swallowing water and washing hands after swimming. UKHSA: How to stay healthy while wild swimming [ukhsa.blog.gov.uk]

Where can people find more about nurdles?

Nurdle UK provides information about microplastic clean-up and specialist equipment used in nurdle and microplastic removal. Nurdle UK

The Great Nurdle Hunt/Fidra provides information about nurdle pollution, how nurdles affect wildlife and how sightings can contribute to wider evidence gathering. The Great Nurdle Hunt [nurdle.org.uk] [nurdlehunt.org.uk]