Microplastic Blitz: A Community Science Cleanup

On Saturday May 9, join our Plastic Pellet Blitz to become a microplastic scientist for the day and learn standard protocols to monitor and clean up tiny plastics.

The University of Toronto (U of T) Trash Team in celebrating the Provincial Day of Action on Litter, with a Microplastic Blitz! This community science cleanup provides an opportunity to become a microplastic scientist for a day as you dig for tiny plastics in the sand. Participants will work in small teams and learn standard protocols to monitor and clean up various microplastics. You can expect to find a mix of pre-production plastic pellets, fragments, foam pieces and films, which the U of T Trash Team also find in trash traps they monitor along Toronto’s waterfront.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
• Time: Please arrive by 9:45 am to check in! We will begin promptly at 10 am and conclude at 12:30 pm
• Where: Sir Casimir Gzowski Park Beach (2001 Lake Shore Blvd W) under the picnic shelter near Al Pa Cones (view map)
• What to bring: All supplies will be provided. Please dress for the weather. Pizza and light refreshments will be provided. Bottle-filling stations are available at the park, so remember to bring your reusable water bottle

Cancellation Policy: The event will run rain or shine but will be cancelled if there is a greater than 70% chance of thunderstorms or other hazardous weather. If there is a cancellation, registered participants will be emailed by 8:00 am on the morning of the event. Remember to dress appropriately!

This event contributes to the Toronto Inner Harbour Floatables Strategy, a collaborative strategy to reduce plastic pollution and other floating litter in the harbour. It is led in partnership with the U of T Trash Team, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Toronto Port Authority, City of Toronto, Swim Drink Fish, Waterfront Business Improvement Area, Harbourfront Centre and Waterfront Toronto.