THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY’S latest report has revealed a troubling rise in litter on Welsh beaches, with drinks-related waste present on 99% of those surveyed.

The charity’s annual State of Our Beaches 2024 report highlights that glass bottles were found on almost half (49%) of the surveyed beaches in Wales. The findings have prompted calls for the Welsh Government to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) that includes glass, aligning with the rest of the UK.

Growing problem of beach pollution

In 2024, volunteers conducted 119 surveys across Wales, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. A total of 1,073 volunteers participated in the Marine Conservation Society’s beach clean programme, recording all litter found along 100-metre sections of coastline. The data, collected over 30 years, helps the charity identify pollution trends and advocate for cleaner seas.

On average, 120 litter items were recorded per 100-metre stretch—an increase of 4% from 2023—suggesting the problem of beach pollution is far from solved.

Call for urgent action on deposit scheme

The report found an average of 10 drinks-related litter items—including cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles—per 100-metre section. With drinks-related waste appearing on nearly every surveyed beach, the Marine Conservation Society is urging the Welsh Government to implement a DRS that includes glass.

Elise Lavender, Parliamentary Affairs Officer for Wales at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We support the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales that includes glass and allows reuse. We are calling on the Welsh Government to implement this as close as possible to the UK-wide scheme launch in October 2027. Bringing this forward will help ensure a smoother transition, improve recycling efforts, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Wales.”

Glass bottles pose a growing threat

A total of 175 glass bottles were collected by volunteers, with glass litter recorded on almost half of the beach cleans. The Marine Conservation Society’s data indicates that glass waste on beaches is increasing, with 2024 ranking as the ninth highest year for glass litter since records began 31 years ago. Broken glass poses a serious threat to both marine life and beachgoers, with sharp edges causing potential injuries.

With the presence of drinks-related litter so widespread, the Marine Conservation Society says its data highlights the urgent need for a DRS in Wales to reduce waste and encourage a culture of reuse and recycling.

Success of deposit schemes in other countries

Under the proposed DRS, consumers would pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks, which they would receive back upon returning the empty container to a collection point. Similar schemes have seen success in countries such as Finland, Lithuania, and Sweden. Ireland’s recent introduction of a DRS has led to an 80% reduction in drinks-related litter per kilometre of beach, demonstrating the potential impact of such a system in Wales.

While England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are set to roll out a UK-wide DRS in October 2027, Wales has chosen to develop its own version, which will include glass containers.

Lottery funding supports clean-up efforts

For the past decade, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have helped fund the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleaning initiatives.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Beach cleans are about more than just removing litter. The information collected by Marine Conservation Society volunteers contributes to valuable datasets identifying pollution sources and trends over time so we can all take action to reduce marine pollution and protect our seas.

“I’m delighted funding raised by players of Postcode Lottery is supporting beach cleans, where every piece of litter collected and recorded brings us a step closer to healthier oceans.”

How to get involved

Those interested in joining a beach clean or organising their own event can find more details on the Marine Conservation Society’s website.

A NATIONAL tractor road run will take to the roads of north Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion this summer, covering 39 miles of scenic countryside.

The Welsh National Tractor Road Run will set off from Awenfryn Farm, Glanrhyd, near Moylgrove, on Saturday, June 15, taking participants on a picturesque route through Ceibwr Bay and the coastline before heading inland.

After covering 24 miles, the convoy will stop for a midday refreshment break near Cwmgwaun, before continuing along the Preseli mountain road and returning to Awenfryn Farm.

The event is being organised by the North Pembrokeshire Road Run team, with funds raised supporting the Welsh Air Ambulance, Crymych First Responders, and Cardigan First Responders.

Dai Rees, from Cilgerran, and his team of organisers are hoping for a strong turnout after last year’s event was held in Llanwrtyd Wells due to difficulties in securing an organising team in Ceredigion.

Ticket prices set to rise from March 30

FIRST BUS has announced fare increases for services across Wales, set to take effect from Sunday, March 30.

Among the changes:

• A day ticket will increase by £1 for adults and 70p for children/mytravelpass holders (16–21-year-olds).
• Return fares will rise by 16p to 30p for adults using Tap On, Tap Off and 10p to 20p for children/mytravelpass holders when buying from the driver.
• Three-day and five-day tickets will go up by £2.50 and £1.80 for adults, and £1.70 and £1.20 for children/mytravelpass holders when purchased from the driver.
• Weekly tickets will increase by £1.50 for adults and 90p for children/mytravelpass holders.
• Other multi-day tickets, including monthly passes bought via the website and mobile app, will also see price increases.

Despite the fare hikes, First Bus says single fares will remain frozen, with adult tickets staying at £3 and child/mytravelpass tickets capped at £2 when bought on the bus.

Rob Pymm, Commercial Director for First Bus Cymru, said: “Our fare changes come as we continue investing in services. Last autumn, we restored some routes, added extra journeys, and extended services across south Wales.

“Like many businesses, we face rising costs, but we have worked hard to keep increases to a minimum to ensure bus travel remains the cheapest and most sustainable form of transport.

“A year ago, we introduced Tap On Tap Off technology across all our services, which has been hugely popular, making bus travel simpler and ensuring passengers get the best value for every journey.”

The company says that while some return fares in Pembrokeshire will rise, bus travel in the county will remain among the cheapest in south Wales.