Sources of Shoreline Litter

Shoreline litter comes in many forms and sizes.

It can be plastic, metal, glass, cloth or paper. It can be as small as a plastic resin pellet or as large as a couch. Whether discarded accidentally or deliberately, all of the shoreline litter we encounter in Canada is the result of human activities.

All participants in the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup record the items they collect on data cards, so that we can find out what types of litter are the most prevalent and problematic throughout the country.

On the data cards, participants categorize litter items according to the activities that produce them. These categories are:

Shoreline and Recreational Activities: Every year, the majority of the top 12 litter items we find come from this category which includes things like food wrappers, beverage containers, straws, utensils and cups.

This type of litter is created by beach enthusiasts, picnics, special events, barbecues, etc. While largely a result of personal carelessness, the problems created by this type of litter may be worsened by lack of adequate waste disposal or recycling facilities, especially during busy summer months.

Ocean/Waterway Activities: This category includes trash from recreational fishing and boating, as well as commercial activities (e.g. fishing, shipping, cruise ships, etc.). Items include oil/lube bottles, rope, fishing line, nets, crab/lobster traps, jigs and sinkers

Smoking Related Activities: Far too often our parks and beaches end up being used as ashtrays. Cigarette butts are consistently the most common litter item found during the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, and in 2006, we removed 214,229 cigarette butts from Canadian shorelines. Other items included in this category are cigarette packaging, plastic cigar tips, matches and lighters.

Dumping Activities: Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, this attitude is the reason that so many of our shoreline ecosystems have turned into dumping grounds. Items that fall under this category include building and construction materials, cars and car parts, household appliances, tires and batteries.

Medical/Personal Hygiene: Sometimes, as a result of sewage overflow or personal carelessness, litter items are found that require special handling. This type of litter includes disposable diapers, condoms and tampons. We also find syringes and needles - items that should be removed only by the Site Coordinator.

By participating in the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup you're ensuring that these harmful items are removed from our shorelines and that they end up in appropriate waste disposal or recycling facility.

To find out why these items must be removed, see Impacts of shoreline litter