Final Call for Waterford volunteers to join Big Beach Clean 2026

More than 100 volunteers across Waterford have already signed up to take part in the annual Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean later this month, with organisers urging more people to register before the September 7 deadline.

The nationwide initiative, supported by Kia Ireland, will take place from September 18 to 20, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, a global campaign coordinated by Ocean Conservancy to tackle marine litter. 

Last year, around 560 volunteers in Waterford removed an estimated 3.4 tonnes of litter from beaches and waterways during the event. 

Organisers are hoping to build on that success in 2026 by encouraging more people to take part and contribute to a citizen science project aimed at monitoring marine pollution. 

Nationally, over 200 groups and more than 5,000 volunteers have already registered for this year's clean-up. 

Participants are encouraged not only to remove litter but also to record data on items collected using Clean Coasts Marine Litter Data Cards or the Clean Swell app. 

The information gathered contributes to international research and has previously helped inform policies targeting ocean pollution. 

According to data collected during last year's Big Beach Clean, the most commonly found litter items included fishing gear, plastic fragments, microplastics, cigarette butts and food wrappers. 

Clean Coasts says the findings have supported awareness campaigns such as 'Bin the Butt' and 'Break Up With Plastic'. 

The organisation is also highlighting the impact of cigarette butts, which contain plastic fibres and are among the most frequently discarded items found during clean-ups. 

Some corporate groups taking part in Clean Coasts initiatives this year have collected more than 800 cigarette butts in just 15 minutes. 

Bronagh Moore, Manager of An Taisce's Clean Coasts programme, said protecting waterways and coastlines remains more important than ever. 

“We’re looking forward to another great turnout this year for our annual Big Beach Clean," she said.

"Now more than ever it's important that we show up and play our part in protecting our ocean," she added.

Bronagh went on to comment: “We encourage everyone, no matter your location, to get involved and record your findings. By working together, we're not only cleaning our beaches and waterways, but we're also showing policymakers and world leaders that protecting our ocean and waterways is a priority for us.”

Cathal Kealey, Head of Marketing and PR at Kia Ireland, said the company was delighted by the response from volunteers and community groups nationwide. 

He said Kia's support helps ensure clean-up kits can be distributed to volunteers and encouraged as many people as possible to sign up and take part in local clean-up events during September. 

People wishing to organise or join a clean-up programme are encouraged to register before September 7 to receive a free clean-up kit while supplies last. 

Whether taking part along the coast or beside inland waterways, organisers say every volunteer can help make a positive difference to Ireland's environment.