Communities across Wales will take to the coast this weekend as part of a nationwide protest against plastic pollution, organised by environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). The People vs Plastic campaign will see demonstrators gather at Coney Beach in Porthcawl and Tywyn Beach on Saturday 19 July, demanding stronger action from the UK Government ahead of next month’s Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva.
The protests are part of a wider National Day of Action, with events planned across the UK — from beach cleans and school-led “Trash Mobs” to marches in city centres. Organisers say the goal is to pressure the government into committing to legally binding targets to reduce plastic production and pollution, and to position the UK as a global leader in tackling single-use plastics.
The Geneva talks, running from 5–14 August, follow a breakdown in negotiations last year in South Korea, where countries failed to agree on reducing plastic output. Campaigners argue that a robust treaty is essential to protect marine ecosystems and curb the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste.
Lucy Jones, who is organising the Porthcawl protest, said:
“I’m tired of seeing our beautiful coastlines polluted with plastic waste. This isn’t just about litter — it’s about protecting marine life, preserving nature for future generations, and demanding real change from industries and governments.”
Surfers Against Sewage is calling for:
- Legally binding plastic reduction targets
- A comprehensive Deposit Return Scheme and reuse-focused circular economy
- Extended Producer Responsibility laws to make polluters pay
The charity says over 88,000 people have taken part in 3,600 local cleans so far in 2025, collecting more than 40,000kg of rubbish through its Million Mile Clean initiative. It also supports over 400 Plastic Free Communities and 3,000 Plastic Free Schools across the UK.
Giles Bristow, Chief Executive of SAS, said:
“We are drowning in the toxic tide of plastic. The UK remains one of the worst offenders for generating single-use waste, and our government is still dawdling on action. With the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations just around the corner, we must turn up the heat.”
