The annual Big Paddle Cleanup event for 2026 runs its course this week, having encouraged people around the UK to get out in canoes to clear the nation’s rivers and canals of litter.
The Big Paddle Cleanup has been active over the last two weeks, with volunteers collecting plastic and other debris from waterways up and down the UK as part of organised events designed to help the environment and document the state of pollution in rivers and canals. Watersports governing body Paddle UK is the key supporter of the event, while sports equipment retailer Decathlon is also rewarding engaged participants with a £5 voucher.
Those who log their cleanup after the event will receive a monetary prize which can then be redeemed via the Decathlon app at the end of the campaign period, which runs until 7 June. To take advantage of the offer and receive a voucher, participants will need to set up a free Decathlon membership account.
It represents an additional way Decathlon is linking its commercial strategy to environmentally-minded citizenship. Last year, it encouraged people to join its loyalty scheme by offering 20% extra on their fee for selling back unwanted products as part of its Second Life preloved scheme.
Paddle UK said the Big Paddle Cleanup brings communities together and does good for the environment at the same time.
It noted, in 2025, a record number of volunteers took part in the event, with 4,228 getting involved – more than 500 up on the previous year.
Individuals, clubs, delivery partners and community groups filled 2,129 sacks full of rubbish from the UK’s canals and rivers, and in those sacks were 6,851 plastic bottles, 2,013 glass bottles, 4,059 cans, and 10,804 food wrappers.
Insurance company Sportscover Europe is also a key supporter of the event.
Although this year’s event officially comes to an end on Sunday 7 June, Paddle UK is planning separate waterway cleans throughout the year.
[image credit: Paddle UK/Big Paddle Cleanup]
