One of the main causes of pollution in South Africa is plastic packaging, says a recent study. The Water Research Commission and the Cape Metropolitan Council conducted a four-year study into the reduction of urban litter in drainage systems. During the study it was found that the plastic packaging contributes much more to the pollution problem than polythene shopping bags, which are commonly believed to be harmful to the environment. The study revealed that at least 40 million tonnes of solid waste is generated every year, out of which more than 780,000 tonnes lies entangled among vegetation along riverbanks and streams.