Cleanup event reveals plastic pellet pollution on Euclid Beach

Plastic pellets, also known as “nurdles,” are one of the most common forms of pre-production microplastics. Manufacturers melt and mold them into finished plastic products the general public sees and uses. Due to their small size and lightweight, plastic pellets are easily spilled and often end up polluting the environment, especially waterways. 

Because of this growing concern, Third Act partnered with PIRG to host a cleanup event on Sunday to see if plastic pellets are polluting Euclid Beach– a popular beach on Lake Erie just outside of Cleveland. Unfortunately, they found over a thousand plastic pellets. 

Ohio currently has at least 10 facilities that make pre-production plastics, according to a new map recently released by PIRG. 

“Plastic pellets may be tiny, but they pose a huge threat to wildlife,” said Ditte Wolin, co-facilitator, Third Act Ohio. “Turtles, birds and fish in Lake Erie and its watershed need environments free from microplastic pollution, but if they live near one of these plastic-producing plants, they can accidentally eat pellets that look like their regular food. I was saddened but not surprised to find so many plastic pellets. It’s clear we need to do something to stop this pollution from happening.”  

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would ban discharges of plastic pellets from facilities or sources that make, use, package or transport them. The bill is currently co-sponsored by 83 representatives and nine U.S. senators.

Interested in looking for plastic pellets in your local waterway? Here are some tips to how to find nurdles in your local waterway.