Sustainability Summary
Verified
- National environmental charity founded in 1990 — runs Clean Up Australia Day and annual litter audits.
- Annual Litter Report tracks what's being dumped where — informs national waste policy.
- Offers workplace clean-up events and free waste education resources for schools.
What do our labels mean?
1% for the Planet
Clean Up Australia
Registered Charity
Our mission is to inspire and mobilise communities to care for and protect our environment, eliminate litter, and end waste.
Clean Up Australia was founded in 1990 and is one of Australia's most recognised and trusted environmental charities, best known for Clean Up Australia Day, the nation's largest community-based environmental event. Since then, 21+ million people have participated in Clean Up activities! At Clean Up Australia, our mission goes far beyond just cleaning up. We’re here to inspire and empower our communities, schools, businesses and councils to drive change. Education is the key to lasting impact, and through it, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how we can protect and conserve our environment. Together, we can eliminate litter, reduce waste, and create a cleaner, healthier Australia for generations to come.
About Clean Up Australia
- Status
- Website
- Visit Website
- Employees
- 5 - 25
- Industry
- Non-profit
- Country
- Australia
- Founded
- 1990
Clean Up Australia Sustainability Actions
Clean Up Australia Sustainability Commitments
1989
First community event “Clean Up Sydney Harbour”
Founder, Ian Kiernan, AO, an avid sailor, was shocked and disgusted by the pollution and rubbish that he continually encountered in the oceans of the world. Taking matters into his own hands, in 1989, Ian organised a community event called “Clean Up Sydney Harbour” with the support of a committee of friends. He expected just a few hundred volunteers. Instead, 40,000 people showed up, sparking a national movement.
1990
Clean Up Australia Day was born
One year after the first community clean up event, the official Clean Up Australia Day was born. What started as a simple idea from an “average Australian” wanting to make a difference in his own backyard, has now grown to become the nation’s largest community-based environmental event.
