Cork volunteers clear nearly nine tonnes of litter in a weekend

Some 1,500 volunteers removed more than 8.8 tonnes of litter from County Cork in Ireland during the Big Beach Clean on 18 to 20 September. Across 80 local clean-ups, they collected about 15% of the rubbish removed nationwide.

In Bantry, community and rugby groups tackled the shore beside the airstrip, hauling away coils of rope, a plastic water drum and even a folding chair. More than 40 people also joined a clean-up at Inchydoney beach.

Cork’s effort formed part of a national campaign involving around 9,700 volunteers, who removed an estimated 58 tonnes of litter from coastal and inland areas. In County Wexford, more than 610 volunteers gathered an estimated 3.7 tonnes.

Volunteers also recorded the types and quantities of waste they found, contributing to data that can help guide future policies and action on marine litter.

Organised by Clean Coasts as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, the annual event highlights how ocean protection can begin far from the shore. The European Environment Agency estimates that around 80% of marine litter comes from land-based activities, with waste from inland communities able to reach the sea through rivers and other waterways.