Australians are gearing up to roll up their sleeves for Clean Up Australia Day 2026 on Sunday, 1 March, joining the nation’s largest environmental movement to tackle litter and protect the environment.
Since it began, over 23 million volunteers have contributed to keeping streets, parks, bushlands, and waterways free of litter. Last year alone, more than 800,000 people participated across 8,000 events nationwide.
Volunteers who register can receive free Clean Up kits, including gloves, bags, and resources. Those who register before 31 December 2025 are automatically entered into an early bird competition to win one of five $500 Coles vouchers.
Donations are also welcome, with all funds going directly to support community Clean Up efforts.
In the Hills Shire, local events have popped up at Ted Horwood Reserve and Stevensons Creek in Baulkham Hills and Kellyville.
The Hawkesbury City Council also encourages locals to take part in the annual clean-up drive, register their own, or join in events in Glossodia, Richmond, and Windsor.
To register your own event, visit cleanup.org.au/register-a-clean-up. To join or search for an event near you, visit register.cleanup.org.au/join-a-clean-up.
Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia, said the campaign remains as important as ever.
“Litter and recycling challenges are constantly changing, but one thing is clear – too much rubbish still ends up in our environment,” she said.
The FY24 Clean Up Australia Litter Report found plastics remain the most common litter type, making up nearly 81% of items collected. E-waste, including vapes and batteries, has also entered the top ten most frequently found items.
“Clean Up Australia Day is about coming together as communities and neighbours,” Kiernan added.
“Whether it’s picking up litter in a park, along a creek, or on a beach, every effort counts. Together, we can create real, visible change.”
Schools are also being encouraged to take part in Schools Clean Up Day on Friday, 27 February. The initiative, open to preschool, primary, and secondary students, engages young Australians in hands-on environmental action.
In 2025, over 4,200 schools joined the movement, giving students the chance to learn about litter prevention, sustainability, and community teamwork. Five free lesson plans covering topics like the circular economy and correct recycling are also available for schools via the Cool.org platform.
Businesses can get involved through Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday, 24 February, offering workplaces a practical way to demonstrate leadership on sustainability. Participating businesses can include staff, customers, or stakeholders in local clean-up activities, creating a fun and meaningful team-building experience.
Clean Up Australia also offers year-round corporate engagement, including multi-site challenges, virtual events, and a Workplace Giving Program to support community initiatives and fund free Clean Up Kits.
Whether at home, at school, or at work, Australians of all ages are encouraged to get involved. Registrations for Clean Up Australia Day, Schools Clean Up Day, and Business Clean Up Day are now open at cleanup.org.au.
Kiernan said, “Let’s get our gloves on and give back to the place we call home.”