Australia’s coastline is one of the most diverse and beautiful in the world—but it's also under threat from marine debris, plastic pollution, and human activity. At the Australian Coastal Conservation Alliance (ACCA), we believe in the power of collective action to turn the tide.
Our Coastal Cleanup program is one of our longest-running and most impactful initiatives. Every year, thousands of Australians join us to remove waste from beaches, estuaries, and rocky shorelines—making a real difference for marine life, ecosystems, and future generations.
Marine debris affects every corner of Australia’s coasts, from urban beaches to remote island reefs. Plastics, fishing gear, and microplastics endanger wildlife, damage habitats, and threaten water quality.
Cleanups are about more than just rubbish removal—they’re about:
Preventing marine species entanglement and ingestion
Reducing microplastic pollution at its source
Engaging the public in hands-on environmental action
Collecting data that informs national policy
Whether you're a solo volunteer or part of a school, business, or community group, joining a cleanup is simple:
Find or register a local cleanup event Use our interactive Events Calendar to see upcoming cleanups in your area—or register your own!
We provide the tools ACCA supplies cleanup kits, safety instructions, data sheets, and waste disposal guidance.
Make an impact Each piece of debris removed is logged, sorted, and reported. Your data contributes to our national database used for research and advocacy.
Held every September, this nationwide event mobilises thousands of Australians for a single day of action. In 2024, over 9,000 volunteers removed 28 tonnes of debris from 450+ sites across the country.
Used by researchers to track pollution sources and seasonal trends
Many of our cleanups are tailored for students and youth groups, combining fieldwork with environmental education. Want to turn your cleanup into a classroom lesson? Pair it with our Coastal Classrooms Toolkit.
