Now in its 22nd year, the biggest environmental community event in Australia attracted 26 local community and youth groups volunteering to clean up our parks and bushland with the help of Blue Mountains City Council.

Despite a few clean up sites being cancelled due to wet conditions and localised flooding, over 250 people participated on the day, collecting more than 7.5 tonnes of rubbish.

“I am pleased to say that the Blue Mountains had an increase in the number of volunteers this year, with a strong contribution from youth groups from across the Mountains and beyond,” Blue Mountains mayor Daniel Myles said.

The Springwood Venturers and Blaxland Rovers joined forces with the Blue Mountains SES at Yellow Rock Lookout collecting 1.3 tonnes of rubbish from the valley below in an impressive abseiling operation.

The Richmond Air Force Cadets had a record number of volunteers to clean up Glenbrook, an important gateway to the City of Blue Mountains.

A large contingent of local schools got the whole event started on Schools Clean Up Day collecting rubbish from the school grounds and surrounds.

“I applaud the enthusiasm of our local schools for their participation Schools Clean Up Day every year,” Cr Myles said.

“With almost double the number of schools involved this year it was unfortunate that the weather was not as kind on Schools Clean Up Day, with constant rain hampering the event.”

While some clean up sites reported less rubbish being found, which is encouraging, there was an equal number of sites which experienced an increase in litter and illegal dumping.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers who have been a part of Clean Up Australia over the past 22 years.

“The strength and success of this event is due to the positive attitude and active involvement of our community,” Cr Myles said.