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How can I get involved?
Organising a Clean Up Site
Volunteering at a Clean Up Site
Additional resources for Clean Up Australia Day
About Clean Up Australia
When is Clean Up Australia Day?
It's always the first Sunday in March - so in 2024, the official Clean Up Australia Day will be Sunday 3 March. Our dedicated Schools Clean Up Day will be Friday 1 March and we urge businesses of all sizes to get involved on Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday 27 February 2024.
But the great news is you can organise a Clean Up for any day of the year!
We'll still send you a free Clean Up kit because we we know Australia's waste challenges can't be solved in just one day.
Sign up here
Do I have to clean up on Clean Up Australia Day?
No! We know our environmental challenges for far beyond one day! You can register to get involved any day of the year!
Why do you want me to sign up - can't I just get out there and do it?
Registering means you're covered by Clean Up Australia's public liability insurance - and can be counted as a participant. We want to be able to celebrate how many Aussies are cleaning up, fixing up and conserving the environment each year.
It also enables you to log what you collect and remove from the environment. Clean Up Australia has been keeping records for over 30 years now and tracking litter trends - we know that almost 2/3 of what people collected in 2022 was made of plastic and cigarette butts have always been the most collected item! But our volunteers are reporting new menaces - like vapes (e-cigarettes), nangs (nitrous oxide bulbs) and face masks for example, so this data has proven to be an invaluable resource in identifying trends in the types and spread of rubbish throughout Australia.
How can I get involved?
Can I join someone else's Clean Up event?
You can use our site search to find an event near you. Some sites will be listed as private and are unable to welcome members of the public. If you find an event and would like to join it we encourage you to register online as it helps site supervisors anticipate numbers and plan accordingly. It also means you can be automatically notified if there are any last minute changes.
If you are unable to find an event near you please consider signing up to do your own Clean Up - you don't need to organise a big group - you can get involved as a individual or family.
Do I need a big group in order to get involved?
Not at all! You can get sign up as an individual or family and we'll send you an appropriately sized kit.
Is there a cost involved?
No! Not for community members, schools or youth groups. We ask that businesses pay a small fee to cover costs.
How can my business get involved?
We offer a range of ways for businesses to get involved with Clean Up Australia. You can choose from simple one-off clean up events, a competitive multi-site corporate challenge, or educational team-building sessions. Or perhaps you want to join forces and partner with us for branding alignment or to help solve an environmental problem?
How can my school get involved?
Your school can get involved on our annual Schools Clean Up Day or at any time throughout the year.
We also offer RECYKOOL, a program that will help primary school students better understand and manage rubbish and litter that accumulates at your school.
How can my youth group get involved?
We categorise a youth group as any group of people aged 12 years through to mid 20s. So high schools, TAFEs, colleges and universities all fall under our Youth category, as well as Guides, Scouts, PCYC, Surf Life Saving Clubs and a whole range of diverse organisations! You can register at any time of the year - simply sign up as a Youth Group and let us know what materials you need. Find out more.
How can my Council get involved?
The support of Councils is critical to the success of Clean Up Australia. Without councils, our events would simply not be able to operate. Councils can participate at many different levels (depending on available resources) - by removing the rubbish from registered sites, spreading the word about the community sites or by organising their own Clean Ups. Find out more.
Organising a Clean Up Site
How do I select a Clean Up site location?
Look for an area near you that you think would benefit from a Clean Up; this could be a beach, waterway, park or any shared space. Your local council may be able to help you identify a potential site if you need a hand. Once you have chosen your location, please contact the local council to advise them of your Clean Up event. If you would like to conduct a Clean Up on private land, you will of course have to get the landholder's permission. Then register your Clean Up site on our website.
How do I register a Clean Up site?
You can register your Clean Up site online here
Why do you need so much information when I register?
We've tried to make this as painless as possible. But we do need to know certain details, so you will be covered by our public liaibility insurance.
How many hours should my Clean Up event run for?
The time needed for a Clean Up varies greatly and is dependent on the size of the site, number of volunteers and amount of rubbish. On average however, most events last for around two hours. You may also want to have a barbecue or picnic after the Clean Up, to reward the hard work of your volunteers - just make sure you don't leave any rubbish behind!
Where do I leave the rubbish at the end of my Clean Up?
You can either dispose of the bags of rubbish yourself or liaise with your local council about a collection. We encourage schools and businesses to use their own waste providers. During the online registration of your Clean Up you can nominate a Rubbish Collection Point, however this arrangement must be agreed in advance with your local council.
What are my responsibilities as a Site Supervisor?
As a Site Supervisor, you are responsible for planning, coordinating and overseeing your Clean Up. You can see an overview of what is involved with being a Site Supervisor in our Clean Up Day Site Guide. Please check also the Safety section on our website.
How can I change details on my Clean Up Site registration?
Simply log-in to your account
- Go to “My Events” and click on the “Edit My Page” tab
- Scroll down to “Time/Date of Event”
- Make changes and click on “Update Details”
Please be sure to let volunteers know of the new details. You can message them by clicking on the "Site Volunteers" tab and clicking "Send Email" under each participants name.
If you need assistance please contact us via email - cleanup@cleanup.com.au or phone us on 02 8197 3400 and we can give you a hand
What if it is raining on the day?
Clean Up Australia's first concern is your safety. If you feel that it is appropriate to postpone a Clean Up due to hazardous weather conditions, please do so. Please inform any registered volunteers of this postponement and think about how you will inform any volunteers who turn up on the day. In order to remain covered by Clean Up Australia's public liability insurance, it is important that all sites notify us of the new date for your Clean Up.
Can I organise a roadside Clean Up?
There are two different site types: Footpath and Roadside.
A footpath is an area designated exclusively for use by pedestrians, and if near a roadway, is separated from vehicles by a kerb or similar barrier.
A roadside is the area beside a road that has nothing separating vehicles and pedestrians. There are very important safety considerations with which you must comply to register a roadside Clean Up. Please read through the Safety page for the specific regulations.
When will I receive my Clean Up kit?
We ask that participants please try to register at least 10 business days prior, to guarantee delivery of your free Clean Up kit. We send out the kits in order of event date, not date of registration, so don't panic if your kit doesn't arrive immediately after registering.
What's in a Clean Up kit?
Once you have successfully registered your Clean Up site through our online registration process, we will send you out a kit of materials to assist with your Clean Up. Please note that there are different versions of kits for individuals and community groups, schools and businesses.
Community Kits
Individual kit:
- 2 x large bags (1 x general rubbish, 1 x recyclables)
- 1 x small bag
- 1 x pair of adult gloves
- Letter with instructions
Family kit:
- 2 x large bags (1 x general rubbish, 1 x recyclables)
- 2 x small bags (1 x general rubbish, 1 x recyclables)
- 2 x pairs of adult gloves in two sizes
- 2 x pairs of kids gloves
- Letter with instructions
Kit for up to 10 volunteers:
- 10 x large bags (mix of bags for general rubbish and for recyclables)
- 10 x pairs of adult gloves in two sizes
- Hi-vis supervisor vest
- Letter with instructions
- Paperwork kit (if requested)
- Sharps container (if requested)
- 15 x large bags (mix of bags for general rubbish and for recyclables)
- 20 x pairs of adult gloves in two sizes
- Hi-vis supervisor vest
- Letter with instructions
- Paperwork kit (if requested)
- Sharps container (if requested)
School Kits
Kit for Preschools and ELCs:
- 10 x small bags (mix of bags for general rubbish and for recyclables)
- 30 x pairs of kids gloves size 6
- 4 x pairs of adult gloves in two sizes
- Letter with instructions
Kit for Primary Schools:
- 10 x small bags (mix of bags for general rubbish and for recyclables)
- 30 x pairs of kids gloves size 8
- 4 x pairs of adult gloves in two sizes
- Letter with instructions
Kit for Secondary Schools:
- 15 x large bags (mix of bags for general rubbish and for recyclables)
- 20 x pairs of adult gloves in two sizes
- Hi-vis supervisor vest
- Letter with instructions
Business Kits
- 10 x large bags (mix of bags for general rubbish and for recyclables)
- 10 x pairs of gloves in two sizes
- Hi-vis supervisor vest
- Sharps container
- Paperwork kit
How can I receive more bags and other material to assist me with my Clean Up event?
Clean Up Australia is a charitable organisation and it is thanks to our donors and partners that we are able to offer a Clean Up kit free of charge. Extra bags, gloves and rubbish pickers can be purchased from our online store.
We suggest you contact your volunteers and encourage them to bring along a pair of gardening gloves and a rubbish collection bag.
All paper material, e.g. Volunteer Registration Forms, Site Guide, etc. can be downloaded here.
Where do I record the tally of what I collected?
We appreciate you tagging the time to log what you collect and remove from the environment by inputting info here or recording it on the paper form called "End of Clean Up Report" that was provided with the kit or that you can download here.
The collection of this information enables us to access important statistical data from Clean Up activities conducted nationally and is an invaluable resource in identifying trends in the types and spread of rubbish throughout Australia.
What if I find rubbish that is too bulky or unsafe to remove?
Use Snap Send Solve to report any large or dangerous rubbish found during your clean up.
Download the free app to report dumped rubbish and other local problems in under 30 seconds.
Where can I dispose of any vapes I find?
Vapes are a triple-threat to our environment as they contain plastic, hazardous and electronic waste. Vapes should not go into landfill as they leach toxic waste and present a fire risk.
Please contact your local Council to discuss recycling options near you.
Volunteering at a Clean Up Site
How do I volunteer at a Clean Up Site?
Use our site search to find an event near you. We encourage you to register online as it helps site supervisors anticipate numbers and plan accordingly. Some sites will be listed as private and are unable to welcome members of the public.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Please dress appropriately for the weather, including closed-toe shoes. We also recommend that you bring a hat, pair of gloves, sunscreen and water - in a reusable bottle!
What insurance does Clean Up Australia provide to volunteers during Clean Up activities?
All registered and approved Clean Up sites are covered by Clean Up Australia's Public Liability Insurance. Clean Up Australia does not provide Personal Accident or Injury Cover.
Additional resources for Clean Up Australia Day
Where can I find statistics on the rubbish picked up during Clean Up Australia Day?
View the yearly Litter Report here. The statistics you share with us are very important and we are conscious of the amount of effort you have taken to compile and send them to us. They are shared without any costs with the CSIRO, state and local government - pooling our information with them to plot rubbish trends, hot spots and impacts. We also use this data in our advocacy for waste management reform.
You can lodge your report using the paper form in your kit, or fill it in online.
Where can I download promotional materials for Clean Up Australia Day?
Download resources here. Please remember to tag us on Facebook and Instagram: @CleanUpAustralia
Do I need permission to use the Clean Up logo?
Yes. The Clean Up logo is trademarked, so you will need our permission to use it. Please contact us at cleanup@cleanup.com.au to arrange permission.
About Clean Up Australia
How did Clean Up Australia start?
In 1989, Ian Kiernan had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard - Sydney Harbour. He organised a community event with the support of a committee of friends - Clean Up Sydney Harbour. This simple idea has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event, with the first official Clean Up Australia Day on 21 January 1990. Click here to learn more.
What are Australia's waste challenges?
Great question! Australia’s waste challenges continue to grow. Now, more than ever, it’s time to Step Up and support solutions which move us towards a circular economy – where everything is a resource, and there is no such thing as waste.
