ALERT: Final call for Waterford volunteers to join Big Beach Clean 2025

Waterford people are being urged to roll up their sleeves and get involved in this year's Big Beach Clean, with more than 200 local volunteers already signed up to take part.

The nationwide clean-up runs from September 19–21, and organisers say there's still time to register before the September 7 deadline to secure a free clean-up kit.

Last year, over 2.1 tonnes of litter were removed from Waterford beaches by more than 350 volunteers, and this year's effort aims to keep that momentum going.

From Dungarvan to Tramore, clean-ups will take place at locations right across the county, with participants asked to collect data on the types of litter found as part of a global citizen science project.

READ MORE | Waterford man named Farm Safety Community Champion in new national programme

Bronagh Moore, Clean Coasts Manager with An Taisce, said: "We're delighted to see so many volunteers already signed up for the Big Beach Clean 2025. Together we are making a real tangible difference to our coastlines."

The initiative, supported by Kia Ireland, is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which marks its 40th anniversary this year. In 2024, the project helped identify cigarette butts, sweet wrappers and fast-food packaging as the most common litter items - findings which have already influenced campaigns such as "Bin the Butt" and "Break Up With Plastic."

Clean Coasts says it's not just coastal communities who can take part. Inland volunteers are also welcome, with litter from towns and cities often travelling into rivers and eventually the sea.

Registrations close on September 7 at midnight. To sign up or find a list of clean-ups happening in Waterford, visit www.cleancoasts.org.

READ MORE | Waterford dancer brings her talent to Guinness Storehouse's new street art spectacle