According to Cessnock City Council’s sustainability officer, Tricia Donnelly, litter continues to present problems to our local environment and Clean Up Australia Day is one of a number of ways to increase awareness within the community about the seriousness of the problem.

“In 2014 more than 572,406 volunteers removed more than 15,708 tonnes of rubbish over 7140 sites across Australia on Clean Up Australia Day,” Ms Donnelly said.   

“In Cessnock, there were more than 150 participants involved with 8.8 tonnes of rubbish being collected.

“We hope this year even more people will lend their support to clean up our beautiful area – it’s fun, easy and everyone can take part.”

Normal fees and charges will be applied to all material received at Cessnock Waste and Reuse Centre (Cessnock Landfill) on Clean Up Australia Day, unless from a registered Clean up Australia Day site.

A waiver from landfill fees will be issued to registered site supervisors and must be produced to receive exemption from fees.

Individuals and local groups can either organise a clean-up site or volunteer to join an existing site.

See here for a full list of clean up sites near you.