Community

Bondi Beach Cleanup Drive Draws Record Volunteers

Over 2,000 locals gathered last weekend to collect waste, raising awareness and setting a new standard for coastal responsibility.

29 May 2025 at 10:18 PM | By BridgeView Bulletin Editorial Team

More than 2,000 volunteers gathered at Bondi Beach over the weekend in what organizers say was the largest coastal cleanup in Sydney’s history. The community-driven event, supported by local environmental groups and Waverley Council, aimed to remove litter from the beach and surrounding parklands ahead of the peak summer season.

Volunteers ranged from local families and school groups to international backpackers and university students. Many arrived before sunrise, armed with gloves, buckets, and biodegradable trash bags. Organizers distributed maps of assigned zones to ensure coverage across the full beach stretch, including lesser-visited dunes and footpaths.

By midday, over 3.4 tonnes of waste had been collected, including common items like cigarette butts, single-use plastics, and food wrappers. More surprising finds included a rusted shopping trolley, a broken surfboard, and an abandoned bicycle buried in sand near the northern promenade.

The cleanup was part of the national Keep Australia Beautiful campaign but drew unprecedented numbers due to a viral social media campaign led by local influencers and eco-activists. The hashtag #CleanUpBondi trended across platforms, encouraging residents to take ownership of their environment.

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos praised the effort, noting that community action sends a powerful message to policymakers. 'When people take time out of their weekend to clean up public spaces, it’s a reminder that environmental stewardship starts at the grassroots,' she said during a midday speech.

Sustainability organizations were also on-site conducting waste audits to better understand consumption patterns and improve future waste reduction strategies. They found that plastic beverage caps and straws remained top offenders despite recent bans, highlighting the need for continued public education and enforcement.

For some participants, the event was personal. 'I grew up here and want my kids to enjoy the same clean beach I did,' said local resident Darren Goh. 'It’s not just about today—it’s about setting a tone for the whole season.'

The event concluded with a community barbecue sponsored by local businesses and live acoustic performances by Bondi-based musicians. All food was served in compostable containers, and volunteers were encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and utensils to minimize event-day waste.

Waverley Council has announced plans to hold quarterly cleanups in 2025 and is exploring a partnership with schools to integrate beach care into the curriculum. Meanwhile, data from the event will be used to inform future coastal waste management policies and infrastructure investments.