A group dedicated to picking up litter recently came across a remarkable find—a nearly 30-year-old crisp packet. Found in the Woodston area of Peterborough, the packet originally belonged to Walkers and bore an expiry date from 1997. The discovery was made by the Recoup Litter Composition & Pathways Project, an initiative based in the city. Despite its age, the packet was surprisingly well-preserved, showing little signs of degradation.
A spokesperson from Recoup, an independent authority specializing in plastic recycling, expressed concern over the find. They highlighted how the longevity of the crisp packet in the environment underscores broader issues with litter management and environmental impact. This discovery serves as a stark reminder of the enduring presence of litter in our ecosystems, despite efforts to address waste and promote recycling.
In 1978, the Peterborough Litter Wombles Association found an old Coca-Cola can.
Over the years, the volunteer-operated Wombles group has diligently collected a variety of nostalgic items. Among their treasures are wine bottles priced in old money, Marathon chocolate bars (renamed Snickers in 1990), and rusted Coca-Cola cans dating all the way back to 1978. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing how everyday items have evolved over time.
The Peterborough Litter Wombles Association gave 45 golf balls they found to a club in the city.
Harry Machin, a member of our group, shared, “We come across all sorts of old and unusual items during our explorations—things like rusted cans, dozens of golf balls, and once, we stumbled upon 88 nitrous oxide canisters and even a kitchen sink.
“We often find these treasures hidden in the undergrowth around the city’s parkways, which seem to have been neglected for a long time. It’s fulfilling to clean up these areas and restore them to their natural state.
“Knowing that we’re removing decades-old rubbish gives me a great sense of accomplishment. However, it’s disheartening to see new litter being left behind.”
The litter pickers found 88 small containers of Nitrous Oxide on Eastfield Road in the city.
Laura Hutchings, projects and data manager at Recoup, said “It has been really interesting to see the variety of both new and legacy litter we have been collecting from each litter pick.
“There is an obvious need for highly thought-out, targeted interventions for the prevention of litter, and this project will provide key data and insights to help achieve this”.
The group said the crisp packet has been stored in a bag and would not be disposed of.
Published: 28th June 2024
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