National Cleanup Day

National Cleanup Day takes place on the third Saturday of September. In 2026, this date falls on September 19. This nationwide observance encourages Americans to volunteer their time and effort to clean up parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces in their local communities.

History of National Cleanup Day

National Cleanup Day was established in 2017 by hiking enthusiasts Steve Jewett and Bill Willoughby in partnership with Clean Trails, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the outdoors clean. The day was created to bring together millions of volunteers across the United States for a single day of coordinated cleanup efforts. Since its founding, the event has grown into the largest single-day cleanup in the country, with over 10 million participants since 2017.

The observance is organized by a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collaborates with major partners including Earth Day, World Cleanup Day, Keep America Beautiful, and the National Wildlife Federation. National Cleanup Day also works in conjunction with World Cleanup Day, which unites 193 countries for a cleaner planet. The event has expanded to include cleanups every third Saturday of the month, with each month featuring a different theme such as #CleanTrails in May and #ParksDay in July.

Why is National Cleanup Day important?

Litter and trash in natural spaces negatively affect both the environment and people's well-being. Almost 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans each year, harming wildlife and ecosystems. National Cleanup Day addresses this problem by mobilizing communities to remove garbage from outdoor areas before it can cause further damage. The day raises awareness about the impact of littering and promotes responsible waste disposal and recycling.

• Participating in National Cleanup Day offers several benefits:
• Improves the quality of local parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces
• Protects wildlife and natural habitats from harmful debris
• Fosters community spirit and civic engagement
• Reduces pollution in waterways and oceans
• Encourages long-term habits of environmental stewardship

How to Celebrate National Cleanup Day

Getting involved in National Cleanup Day is simple and rewarding. Individuals can join an existing public cleanup event in their area by checking the official cleanup map on the National Cleanup Day website. Those who want to take initiative can start their own cleanup by selecting a park, trail, or street that needs attention, determining if it is public or private property, and registering the event on the map. After the cleanup, participants are encouraged to share their results, photos, and videos to inspire others.

Groups of friends, families, coworkers, and community organizations can organize cleaning trips to nearby natural spaces. Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness about littering and promoting cleanup events using hashtags like #NationalCleanupDay2026. Schools, businesses, and local governments can also participate by sponsoring cleanups or providing resources such as trash bags and gloves. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

National Cleanup Day Dates