Since 2016, about 23,000 Plastic Pirates pupils have surveyed German rivers for litter; their data found plastic and cigarette butts among the most common items

Over seven years, German students spearheaded a monumental investigation into river litter, with thousands lending their efforts. Their findings pinpoint plastic items and cigarette butts as the leading forms of waste. This extensive dataset offers essential insights into pollution trends worldwide. American rivers encounter related struggles, as litter enters these waterways through various human actions, emphasizing the notable influence of recreational activities on river cleanliness.