What is #EUBeachCleanup?
The #EUBeachCleanup is a global movement tackling marine pollution, because every piece of plastic removed is a victory for our ocean. By 2040, up to 37 million tonnes of plastic waste could enter the ocean annually if we don’t act now.
Organised by by the European Union in partnership with the United Nations and the Smurfs, this campaign brings together institutions, NGOs, and everyday heroes (that’s you!) to clean up beaches, rivers, and lakes. Together, we are
- protecting marine life (SDG 14: Life Below Water)
- fighting pollution (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption)
- building healthier communities (SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being)
- uniting people worldwide for real change
When & where?
Key date: Sunday 20 September 2026 (World Cleanup Day) But any event from 23 May to 31 October counts!
Beaches | Rivers | Lakes | Urban areas No coast nearby? No problem! Inland clean-ups make a huge difference too - plastic travels!
Why your action matters
- 1 plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose
- 80% of ocean plastic comes from land - your clean-up stops it at the source!
- every volunteer hour saves marine life and inspires others
News - eu beach cleanup
The #EUBeachCleanup Campaign is a campaign organised by the European Union in partnership with the United Nations, and with the friendly collaboration of the Smurfs.
Wrapping up the 2024 #EUBeachCleanup campaign, 367 events across the world collected tonnes of litter to raise awareness about marine pollution and its impact on the ocean.
On 29 August 2024, as part of the Danube Delta Summer School, organised by the Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development (INCDDD) in collaboration with the International Association for Danube Research (IAD), over 30 participants from eight countries came together for
