Litter the weight of a 'killer whale' removed in river clean-up

Northumbrian Water has carried out a significant environmental clean‑up across the region, removing almost 200 sacks of rubbish - the equivalent weight of an average adult female killer whale.  

The operation, led by various teams from Northumbrian Water and supported by local councils and nature trusts resulted in over 1,850kg of waste being taken out of the natural environment, not including the numerous large, heavy items that were too big to bag.  

Volunteers, as a part of the company’s national award-winning ‘Just an Hour’ volunteering programme worked across multiple riverbank areas including, Herrington Burn in Houghton-le-Spring, Monkton Burn in Hebburn, and Lustrum Beck in Stockton-on-Tees.  

They collected litter ranging from plastics and cans, to shopping trolleys, tyres, sofas and other hazardous debris. Much of this waste had the potential to harm wildlife, degrade habitats and contribute to long‑term pollution if left. 

The clean‑up forms part of Northumbrian Water’s ongoing commitment to improving water quality and protecting the ecosystems that depend on healthy rivers.  

The substantial volume of rubbish removed underscores both the scale of the challenge and the importance of community and corporate involvement in environmental protection. 

Vicky Cairns, Partnerships Consultant at Northumbrian Water said: “Our rivers play a crucial role in supporting nature, help strengthen our ecosystems, provide space for community recreation and enhancing community wellbeing, so it’s important we all play our part in helping to keep them healthy.  

“Removing the amount of rubbish from the environment following our recent litter picks across the region was really saddening to see but certainly a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can achieve when we join forces and work together with a shared purpose. 

“We’re proud of our volunteer teams and to all partners, their volunteers who supported with the clean-up effort and helped make a difference to the local watercourses, and communities.  

“A big thank you to Durham Wildlife Trust, Sunderland City Council, Tees Rivers Trust, Stockton Borough Council and to South Tyneside Council for their invaluable support.” 

Northumbrian Water has big plans for 2026, and will continue working with local partners, volunteers and community groups alongside supporting colleagues via their volunteering programme, Just an Hour, which helped almost 1,000 good causes last year. 

From more river and beach clean‑ups and awareness campaigns throughout the year, to supporting local charities and causes, the company remains focused on championing long‑term environmental stewardship across the region and helping in the local community.  

For information on the work Northumbrian Water do in the community, or you’re looking for information on how colleagues can help, go to Community 

ENDS