International Plastic Pellet Count

THE 2026 RESULTS ARE IN!

More than one million plastic pellets were documented in waterways around the world during the 2026 International Plastic Pellet Count— nearly 22 times last year’s final reported total. Throughout May, more than 1,000 volunteers surveyed rivers, lakes, coastlines, and communities across six countries, 31 U.S. states, and Washington, D.C., revealing the widespread reach of plastic pellet pollution.

Among the 18 Waterkeeper groups that organized pellet counts this year, San Antonio Bay Estuarine Waterkeeper recorded the highest concentration in Texas, with 712,000 plastic pellets. Internationally, Port Phillip Baykeeper in Australia reported the highest total, with 6,485 plastic pellets.

These findings confirm what Waterkeepers have long known: plastic pollution is not confined to one community, one river, or one country. It is a global problem that requires global action.

WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC PELLET COUNT?

The jointly-sponsored International Plastic Pellet Count is a global day of action and month-long effort each May, where volunteers around the world search for plastic pellets on riverbanks, lakeshores, and beaches.

Participants record what they find to build a clearer picture of pollution that is often invisible, unregulated, and underreported. That information is then used to inform our fights for strong policies, regulations, and accountability for corporate polluters.

WHAT ARE PLASTIC PELLETS?

Plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, are the raw material used to make many familiar plastic products like water bottles, grocery bags, drinking straws, and food containers. During manufacturing and transport, they are frequently spilled, leaked, or dumped into the environment, especially in our waterways. As a result, an estimated 10 trillion plastic pellets enter our oceans each year.

In waterways, plastic pellets can travel long distances through rivers and currents, making them hard to clean up and nearly impossible to track. In the environment, they can harm fish, birds, and other wildlife when mistaken for food, filling their stomachs with plastic and leading to starvation.

The pellets can also absorb harmful chemicals like DDT, PCBs, and mercury.

Over time, these pellets break down into even smaller particles called microplastics, which have been found in the human body, including in blood and the lungs. While scientists are still studying the effects, early research suggests they may be linked to health concerns such as inflammation and heart problems.

For local Waterkeeper groups and communities working to protect local rivers, bays, and estuaries, pellet pollution represents a persistent and preventable source of plastic contamination.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE EACH MAY OR ANY DAY:

• Pellet counts are quick and easy—most take just 10 minutes. Head out to your nearby rivers, streams, wetlands, or beaches on your own, with friends and family, or with others in your community.
• Not sure where to look or what to look for? Our partners at Nurdle Patrol have created this map showing where pellets have been found, along with a short training video to get you started.
• When you’re finished, submit your data here.
• Prefer to join others? Register your event and/or find a pellet count happening in your community on the map below. 
• We’ve also created a more detailed guidance document to assist with your efforts. Happy hunting!

The International Plastic Pellet Count is jointly organized by Waterkeeper Alliance, the American Bird Conservancy, Environment America Research and Policy Center, Environmental Action, Nurdle Patrol, Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, U.S. PIRG Education Fund, and 5 Gyres.