Shoreline Litter

What is it?

It is litter, plain and simple. It is the untidy rubbish that ends up in and around rivers, lakes, wetlands and oceans.

Shoreline litter comes in many forms and sizes. It can be wood, plastic, metal, glass, cloth or paper, and can be as small as a plastic resin pellet or as large as a couch.

Why is shoreline litter a problem?

Shoreline litter, aka aquatic garbage, is a huge concern because it can travel great distances. Shoreline litter often takes a long time to break down and may release toxins when it finally does degrade.

All the shoreline litter we encounter in Canada is the result of human activities. It is discarded either accidentally or deliberately and can cause serious problems for wildlife, ecosystems - and us!

What kind of shoreline litter is found in Canada?

Canadians typically leave behind cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic cutlery, glass and plastic bottles - much like the rest of the world.  But TD Canada Trust Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup participants do find a high number of shopping carts, car parts, furniture and household appliances during their cleanups. 

For more information about what we remove each year, click here.

Effects on wildlife

Shoreline Litter can have profound effects on wildlife. Many animals have been injured or killed after encountering aquatic or shoreline litter in their environment. The biggest dangers animals face from shoreline litter are entanglement and ingestion.

Effects on ecosystems

The effects of shoreline litter on ecosystems and habitats can be far-reaching and long lasting. (..read more)

Effects on people

Not only plants and animals are at risk from aquatic garbage. We are too. (..read more)