Council working with Port Of Tyne and Environment Agency for plastic clean-up operation
South Tyneside Council and the Environment Agengy have said a clean up operation is underway to remove plastic from beaches.
The clean up operation after plastic pellets washed onto Littlehaven Beach in South Shields is underway.
Estimates from South Tyneside Council suggest around 25 tonnes of plastic pellets may have entered the water after a crane collapsed at the Port Of Tyne on Sunday, July 19.
One person was hospitalised following the weekend incident, but the impact is now being felt across the borough and a clean-up operation to remove the plastic, known as nurdles, is underway.
A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: "South Tyneside Council is responding to plastic pellets known as 'nurdles' washing up on sections of the Borough's coastline following a vessel collision in the River Tyne on Sunday 19 July 2026.
"Council teams are monitoring affected locations and supporting a coordinated clean-up operation alongside partner organisations. Working with the Environment Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Port of Tyne, specialist contractors and other agencies, we are assessing the extent of the contamination and supporting efforts to remove pellets from affected areas where appropriate.
"The public health risk is considered to be very low. The pellets are not toxic but can pose a risk to wildlife and other animals if ingested.
"Our priority is protecting the coastline, supporting the multi-agency response and minimising any impact on local wildlife and the wider environment.
“The Council will look to recover the costs of the clean-up from the insurers of those responsible.
"We are asking people not to handle the pellets and to keep dogs on leads in affected areas. We will continue to keep residents informed as more information becomes available."
Nurdles have previously been found in the stomachs and digestive tracts of a variety of species including seabirds and fish after spills.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency added: "We quickly responded to reports of an incident at the Port of Tyne, with reports of plastic pellets washing up around Tyneside beaches.
"Our officers are working with local authorities and other partners, providing expert advice to support in the early stages of the clean-up operation.
"If anyone witnesses a pollution incident, please report it to our incident hotline on 0800 807060."