Plastic Pirates – Go Europe! is a pan-European citizen science programme where school classes, volunteers and scouts head out to rivers, streams and coasts to measure plastic litter using a standardised scientific protocol.
The data collected by young people across 14 countries flows directly into open scientific datasets, informs EU environmental policy, and is published in peer-reviewed research.
Every group follows the same scientific method, making results comparable across borders.
All datasets are published openly via Zenodo for researchers, schools and policymakers.
All educational materials are free to download. Physical equipment provided in selected countries.
Get Materials →Findings feed into EU environmental monitoring and legislative processes.
Register your class and lead a scientific river expedition. Receive free educational materials and contribute to real climate research.
Register Your Class
Organise a collection (ages 18–30) and apply for European Solidarity Corps funding.
Register as Volunteer
Choose your country and get connected to your local research partner.
Follow the scientific protocol and collect samples with your class.
Enter findings online to contribute to the European plastic database.
September 15 – November 15
