Australia’s longest running and largest national day for the environment – Clean Up Australia, is celebrating 35 years this year on Sunday March 2 and organisers are calling on schools’ communities and local councils to register their interest.

Registrations are open and volunteers receive a free Clean Up kit, containing gloves, bags and other resources, with packs for individuals, families and community groups available (businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs). 

Founded in 1990 by Ian Kiernan AO, the day has seen over 22 million Australians take part in clean-up activities.

The 2024 Clean Up Australia Day campaign collected an estimated 140,000 bags of litter nationally, highlighting the continued importance and relevance of Clean Up events and volunteers.

Warren Shire Council has put out the word to its community to take part and keep their parcel of the world beautiful.

"We are all set for the day and have bags ready for people to collect ready to go out and pick up rubbish," said a spokesperson from Warren Shire Council.

"All that is needed is to register yourself or your group cleanup.org.au and the site you will be at and council will collect filled bags if needed.

"Remember to wear gloves, appropriate shoes and clothes and don't forget to slip slop slap."

Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia is urging people to jump in and help - image courtesy ABC

Bogan Shire Council still takes part in the Clean Up Australia initiative but chooses to wait for cooler weather to encourage more people to join in.

with over 22 million people taking part since the clean up day first commenced, volunteers have donated around 38.5 millions hours of time.

“Clean Up Australia has a rich history of mobilising Australians to take practical action to clear up the mass amount of litter and waste that makes its way into our beautiful waterways and other natural surroundings,” Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia said.

“We know that 35 years on from when my father started this iconic organisation, our fight against litter is nowhere near over, but we also know that as a society we need to shift our habits to consider litter prevention and best practice to stop it from entering our environment in the first place,” she said.

Cleaning up Australia volunteers - Image courtesy Clean Up Australia

A Clean Up Australia Litter Report said that plastics were 81 per cent of all surveyed litter, with 44 per cent of litter cleared from waterway sites, 16 per cent from parks and 11 per cent from bushland.

“I truly hope that this year we can rally as many Aussies as possible to get behind Clean Up Australia and make it the biggest year of action to date. Nothing makes us prouder than to see communities from all walks of life and generations coming together with a common goal of making a difference for our precious environment,” Pip said.

If you are unable to participate, donations to Clean Up Australia are welcome, with 100% of funds raised going directly to empowering Australians to take positive action for the environment and providing Clean Up kits.

Register now at cleanup.org.au for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 2, 2025 

Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday February 25, 2025, and Schools Clean Up Day on Friday February 28, 2025