Australians are being urged to roll up their sleeves ahead of Clean Up Australia Day, with the country’s largest community-driven environmental campaign returning on Sunday, March 1.
From suburban parks to coastal foreshores, individuals, families, schools and community groups are preparing to take part in what has become a defining date on the national environmental calendar. Since its launch more than three decades ago by Clean Up Australia, the movement has attracted more than 23 million volunteers determined to tackle litter at a grassroots level.
The scale of participation remains formidable. In 2025 alone, more than 800,000 people joined approximately 8,000 clean-up events across the country during the campaign period. Organisers hope to match – or exceed – that effort in 2026 as environmental pressures intensify.
Data from the FY24 Clean Up Australia Litter Report reveals plastics continue to dominate the waste stream, accounting for nearly 81 per cent of all litter counted in parks, bushland and waterways nationwide. Electronic waste has also climbed into the top ten most collected items, with discarded vapes and batteries emerging as a growing concern.
Registered volunteers receive complimentary Clean Up kits containing gloves, bags and resources tailored for individuals, families, schools and community groups. Businesses are invited to participate in a dedicated Business Clean Up Day on February 24, while schools participate on February 27.
For many communities, the annual event represents more than rubbish collection. It is a visible demonstration of local pride and a reminder that environmental stewardship begins close to home.