Book in for Clean Up Australia

Clean Up Australia Day is on Sunday March 1, and you can register your own clean up site, or join an existing group.

In the lead up to the nation-wide day, Clean Up Australia has released its Litter Report FY25, revealing plastics continue to be the number one litter type found in Australia's streets, parks, bushlands and waterways, representing 80.8 per cent of all counted litter. Concerningly, cigarette butts, also made of plastic, are now the most littered individual item, representing 23.6 per cent of all counted litter.

Soft plastics remain a significant problem, representing 30.5 per cent of all litter categories.

Packaging continues to be a persistent challenge, representing 59.5 per cent of all reported litter during the year. Of the individual items, cigarette butts have surged to claim the top position, overtaking soft plastics wrappers (18.6 per cent), followed by plastic bags (8.7 per cent).

Other items topping the list of litter found at sites include cans, bottles and cartons (14.6 per cent), takeaway coffee cups (4.3 per cent) and vapes (33.9 per cent)
Over three years, the number of sites reporting vapes has increased by 23.5 per cent, highlighting the pressing need for a nationwide safe disposal system. Vapes contain batteries and toxic materials that don't belong in general waste or recycling bins.

"One of the best ways to address our nation's litter challenges is to get your gloves on and get involved,” said Clean Up Australia Chair, Pip Kiernan.

“Clean Up Australia Day is about coming together, as neighbours, as communities and as fellow Aussies for a common goal.”

Clean Up Australia's Litter Report FY25 and national and state-based fact sheets are on its website.

Register now for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 1, at cleanup.org.au