Australia’s largest community-driven environmental campaign returns on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as Clean Up Australia Day brings communities across the country together.
Individuals, families, schools and local groups are being encouraged to either join an organised event or register their own as part of the nationwide effort to tackle litter and pollution. Since the initiative began more than three decades ago, over 23 million volunteers have participated, embedding the day into Australia’s civic calendar.
The campaign’s impact remains significant. In 2025 alone, more than 800,000 people took part in over 8,000 events nationwide during the Clean Up period.
New findings from the FY25 Clean Up Australia Litter Report reveal that plastic continues to dominate Australia’s waste problem, accounting for 80.8 per cent of all counted litter between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Cigarette butts — which contain plastic filters — were identified as the most littered item, accounting for 23.6 per cent of the total. Meanwhile, discarded vapes are emerging as a growing concern, now present at 33.9 per cent of surveyed sites, with reports increasing by 23.5 per cent over three years.
Organisers say the campaign is about collective action, whether that involves clearing beaches, restoring creeks or cleaning suburban parks. For those unable to volunteer, donations are being accepted, with all funds directed toward supporting volunteers and providing free Clean Up kits.
Participate in a Clean Up event or register one here. Clean Up Australia Day is on Sunday, March 1, 2026, and Schools Clean Up Day is on February 27, 2026.
