Plastic Free Thanet

Plastic Free Thanet is a community-led campaign to stop single-use plastic on our streets and beaches.

In conjunction with local businesses we have:

• developed a cup bank scheme that provides reusable cups to local coffee shops, events and festivals and gives to local charities
• started an information sharing network for businesses to reduce plastic waste in the supply chain
• supported individuals and community groups around Thanet through our regular newsletter

Find out more and get involved below!

About Plastic Free Thanet

Plastic Free Thanet aims to reduce single-use plastic across Thanet, working with local businesses and community groups.

In partnership with local businesses, we've launched the Margate and Ramsgate reusable coffee cups and a #ChooseToReuse discount scheme. See more on our campaign page.

We're using the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities model to bring everyone on board.

Reducing the amount of plastic we use is a tangible action individuals and businesses can take and a powerful way to engage people in conversations on this, and wider environmental issues.

See our latest newsletter and sign up to receive monthly updates, tips and news from across the community.

Plastic Free Thanet is made up of Plastic Free Margate, Plastic Free Minster, Plastic Free Broadstairs and Plastic Free Ramsgate. Meet the team.

What can my business do?

1. Join our reusable coffee cup scheme 
   or fill in our business survey to let us know how we can tailor our support to you.
2. Become a Plastic Free Champion 
   by removing three items of single use plastic from your business offer. (We can help, get in touch.)
3. Join a local beach clean
   or do one of your own - the Million Mile Clean site has tips and resources.
4. Become a Refill station 
   to show customers you care (you'll get a window sticker and be added to the award-winning Refill app).​

What can individuals do?

1. Get yourself a Margate or Ramsgate cup
   (or use your own reusable cup) to get discounted drinks.
2. Join a local beach clean with Rise Up Clean Up 
   or a litter pick with other local groups. Or do your own from one of Thanet's Cleanup Hubs.
3. Subscribe to our newsletter 
   to receive tips, environmental news and green job opportunities in Thanet.
4. See City to Sea's 12 Ways to reduce plastic pollution 
   and get your Surfers Against Sewage's Plastic Free Communities individual action plan.

About the issue

Single-use plastic is a huge environmental problem and nowhere is this more apparent than along our coastlines.

In Margate alone, litter picking action group Rise Up, Clean Up removed 3000kg of plastic waste and rubbish from our beaches over a year and a report from Thanet District Council's coastal waste review working party showed that clean up efforts costing £186,000 in 2021 were still not enough to stem the tide of waste. 

"Cleaning up isn't enough to solve the problem. We need to turn off the plastic tap."

Plastic is difficult to recycle (only about 9% of plastic actually gets recycled), ends up in our waterways, harms wildlife and damages our own health. It's also a large and growing contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions that are warming our planet, leading to extreme weather and rising ocean levels.

Further information

• Plastic is part of the wider climate and biodiversity emergencies, find out more on the Thanet Council website.
• Understanding the extent of these crises can lead to eco-anxiety - the Climate Psychology Alliance has some helpful FAQs and resources.
• Thanks to Sea Changers and Kent Community Foundation for making this work possible.