Paws on Plastic
A registered Scottish charity (SC051306)
Create a cleaner and safer environment for our dogs and wildlife
About Us
Paws on Plastic
Paws on Plastic revolves around the simple but effective idea of using daily dog walks as an opportunity to pick up a few bits of litter.
Our eco-friendly, dog-loving community removes over 42 million pieces of litter every year from streets, beaches, parks, and countryside.
KAVS Announcement
Paws on Plastic is delighted to have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025. This is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE for charities and volunteer groups.
Our Impact
We collectively remove over 42 million pieces of litter every year by picking up a couple of bits of litter on daily walks, and running organised litter picks and beach cleans.
We can create a better tomorrow
Every pound counts and saves more animals from the dangers of litter in the environment.
Get Involved
Become a Member
Sign up to gain free Paws on Plastic membership status and be the first to receive news and updates. Most importantly, you will be supporting our mission to create a cleaner and safer environment for our pets.
Stats & Figures
In the UK, 38.5 million plastic bottles are bought every day, and 5 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced each year. - Surfers against Sewage
87% of respondents to the Scottish Litter Survey, consider litter to be a problem in Scotland today. – Keep Scotland Beautiful
32% of dog owners worry that their dog will come to serious harm on walks, as a result of litter. - Agria Pet Insurance
Dogs & Safety
Members are asked to take care of themselves, their dogs and any accompanying persons while picking up litter. Recycle what you can and encourage others to do the same. Every single piece makes a difference!
We remove litter in order to protect animals from harm.
We do not recommend people encourage or train dogs to pick up litter.
We encourage dog owners to remove litter themselves with due care.
We do not recommend touching items which are contaminated by human waste or any drug paraphernalia - these should be reported to the local council for safe removal by trained professionals.
We encourage positive attitudes and non-confrontational approaches to litter picking.
Our Aims
Community development
We make social connections with physical and online communities around the world, sharing inspirational stories and resources to boost self-esteem and mental health.
Eco education
We collaborate with both young people and adults through schools, afterschool groups, and community events to educate on the consequences of littering.
Environmental protection
We collectively remove over 39 million pieces of litter every year by picking up a couple of bits on daily walks, and running organised litter picks and beach cleans.
Animal welfare
We protect animals and habitats on land and sea by removing litter from the environment. Almost 50% of Paws on Plastic members have witnessed animal injury due to litter.