Doing a Trash Survey
It’s time to get your hands dirty! Or rather, your gloves…
The next step up from a Trash Count is the Trash Survey. Where in the first one actually removing single-use pollution is optional, here it’s the most important part!
Trash Surveys provide us with the most detailed picture of the single-use pollution on a particular trail. This is where we remove everything we possibly can, then sort, categorise and count it at the end. We always finish up with responsibly disposing of what we’ve collected as per local guidance.
How does this work?
​Trash Surveys fill in the detail on the types of single-use pollution we find, and the brands too. Whether it’s old plastic bottles, dog poo bags, farm waste, old race tape or the good old crisp packet - every item you remove is good for the trails, and vital for our data. Download the sheet and follow the steps below:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​​​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
The Trash Survey is how we get detailed information like what brands are most commonly found and what items show up most often on different trail types.
They’re also our favourite way to take environmental action with a big group, which make us feel almost as good as our trails do! 89% of trash surveyors report feeling an increased sense of connection to nature, after removing single-use pollution. It’s a no brainer really!
What's Next?
Other than access to a local wild place, you'll need a phone with internet access to complete the research. To get started, simply head to the next session!
​​
​
​
​
​
Special thanks to Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre Wales for providing the unparalleled backdrop and support with filming this Toolkit.This toolkit is made possible by our Programme Partners:
