#EUBeachCleanup

What’s the #EUBeachCleanup?

The #EUBeachCleanup is a campaign to raise awareness about marine pollution, and how our habits impact our ocean. It is estimated that up to 37 million tonnes of plastic waste will reach the ocean annually by 2040.

It is organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), with European External Action Service (EEAS) and the United Nations. It is organised in partnership with the Smurfs.

The campaign consists of clean-up events organised by institutions (EU Delegations and Representations, Europe Direct Centres, United Nations Regional Offices, etc.), NGOs, and citizens wanting to put-up their own event. 

Clean-ups play a crucial role in advancing multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing environmental degradation, promoting sustainable consumption and production, protecting biodiversity, improving public health, and fostering community engagement and collaboration.

In 2024, 45,700 participants took part in 555 events, in 44 countries across all inhabited continents. This year, let’s make it even bigger!

When does it take place?

World Cleanup Day 2025 will be on Friday 20 September – but any event organised between 3 June and 31 October counts!

While most events take place on the beach, we also encourage people living far away from the sea to organise clean-ups.

Joining the wave

Interested in joining the campaign? It’s easy!

Either join an event near you (see list of events below – updated throughout the year) - or put up your own event!

To organise your event

• use the guidelines below
• register your event
• add the results of your event (number of attendees and amount of litter collected)
• Share your photos (with the approval of all the people in them) and share you best stories 

Related links

Clean and healthy oceans

#WaterWiseEU