First Clean Thames Challenge is a success

Following the conclusion of the Port of London Authority (PLA)’s first ever Clean Thames Challenge, we are delighted to announce the results from the 154 people who participated in the month-long event. Together, they recovered an impressive 3,063 items from the riverbanks, including 549 plastic bottles.  

As PLA’s Water Quality Technical Advisor, Emily McLean said:

“Our volunteers have worked tirelessly over the course of September, with over 100 free litter kits provided to help them in their mission. This collective effort highlights the vital role community action plays in protecting our waterways and creating a cleaner, healthier Thames for all.”

As part of the PLA’s strategy for the Thames, Thames Vision 2050, we are working towards a clean Thames, free of sewage, waste and pollution, which supports nature and recreational use. The Clean Thames Challenge invited people to make a real difference by choosing a challenge throughout September and sharing their results with the PLA. As well as useful information and safety advice, the PLA provided 106 free litter kits to participants, which included a litter picker and Hi-Viz jacket. There were also eight events that participants could join during the month.

The PLA’s Environment team works in partnership with many organisations to accelerate the progress towards a cleaner river. The success of this inaugural Clean Thames Challenge means that we plan to run this event annually. If you want to find out more about helping to collect litter - visit our Cleaning the Thames website or contact Thames21 to join an organised event.

For more information on the PLA’s strategy to a cleaner river, read our Clean Thames Plan.

Supportive quotes from partner organisations:

Paul Hyman, Founder and Director, Active360

“The Clean Thames Challenge has been a really sound initiative and a sign of how the PLA have taken a lead on reducing and moving towards eliminating plastic pollution in the Tideway.

“We were very pleased to be involved through our Paddle and Pick event as part of Tidefest and I’m hoping that the Challenge will be back next year.

“These events are important to increase awareness of what’s happening to the river and to encourage more people to step up to protect this unique ecosystem.  We run many clean ups with businesses and individuals but combining forces through a scheme like this raises the profile to many more people.”

Harry Whelan, Director, London Kayak Company

“Operating on the tidal Thames, the London Kayak Company is fully behind the Clean Thames Challenge.  

“We kayak people right through one of the most iconic rivers in the world and so we can see firsthand that the wildlife deserves a much better environment and a cleaner river.”

Chris Coode, CEO, Thames21

“Litter has no place in the River Thames or its tributaries. They deserve better.

"The Clean Thames Challenge has empowered local residents and groups tackle the problem directly and play an active role in safeguarding the River Thames—the lifeblood of London.

"Rivers can collect land-based litter and carry it to the oceans where it will continue to create problems for people and wildlife.

"Tackling plastic pollution in our rivers requires more than a single solution. We advocate for coordinated action across multiple sectors. Policymakers, manufacturers, retailers, brands, and the public must unite to address this pressing issue."

Adrian Evans, Director, Thames Festival Trust

“The PLA’s Clean Thames Challenge has been an important part of this year’s Totally Thames festival, raising awareness of river pollution and encouraging Londoners to roll-up their sleeves and their bit for a cleaner, healthier river for everyone to enjoy. Let’s make this an annual initiative!”

Wendy Tobitt, Chair, Thames Path Partnership

“The Thames Path Partnership supports the PLA’s Clean Thames Challenge, because we all want to see a cleaner Thames in London. 

“The Clean Thames Challenge gives people who run, walk and cycle along the Thames Path National Trail in London the chance to look after the river by helping clear the foreshore of litter. Thank you to everyone who took part this year.”