Clean Up Cairns
A little litter is a big problem. Every piece of litter we leave on the ground can make its way into the sea, putting the Reef's marine life and delicate ecosystem at risk.
Clean Up Cairns is an annual event held each weekend in September. Community members lend a hand to clean up litter from our local creeks, beaches and bushland.
Since 2019, 1173 community members have volunteered their time at 73 clean-ups removing 168 wheelie bins worth of litter from the local environment.
World Clean Up Day – Big Butt Hunt
No More Butts is running the Clean Up Cairns - Big Butt Hunt on Saturday 20 September as part of World Clean Up Day (details above). This clean up targets cigarette butts, a single-use plastic that is also the most commonly littered item.
Run your own clean-up - register a site and rally your group
If there aren’t any clean-ups in your neighbourhood, or you’d like to host a clean-up at a different time of year, please register a site with Clean Up Australia and let us help promote your clean up by emailing the event details to sustainability@cairns.qld.gov.au
Safety
Wear enclosed footwear, sun smart clothing and bring a water bottle.
On the day, be kind to others, wash your hands regularly and follow hygienic practices.
Last Updated: 17 October 2025
Latest News > All News
New strategy for a more resilient Cairns
Today, Council endorsed the Cairns Social Resilience Strategy 2026–2030, establishing a framework to strengthen social resilience across the region and...
24 June 2026
Changes to Liquor Licensing Policy endorsed
Changes to the Liquor Licensing General Policy aim to strengthen Council’s consideration of requests for feedback into liquor and gaming...
24 June 2026
Council improves community safety
Cairns Regional Council has completed the installation of new CCTV infrastructure at four locations across the Cairns Local Government Area....
22 June 2026