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National Cleanup Day

Make a difference and join in on National Cleanup Day - help keep your community beautiful by picking up litter and reducing waste!

Saturday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Saturday in September

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYNature

SUBCATEGORYConservation

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Join in on the fun and get ready to make a difference on National Cleanup Day, which takes place on the third Saturday of September! This day was created in 1988 by Gaylord Nelson, the former Governor of Wisconsin, as a way to encourage people to take action and help clean up their local communities. Every year thousands of people come together to pick up trash and debris from beaches, parks, rivers, and other public areas. It's a great opportunity to give back to our planet as well as meet new people and make some lasting memories!

TIMELINE

National Cleanup Day Timeline

Establishment of National Cleanup Day

Governor Gaylord Nelson creates National Cleanup Day to encourage community cleaning efforts.

First Official Cleanup

The first official national cleanup is held, with thousands of people across the country participating.

Extent of Cleanup Activities Expands

Cleanup activities extend beyond land, including cleaning up rivers, oceans, and mountain areas.

Global Recognition of Cleanup Efforts

National Cleanup Day begins to receive global recognition, as similar efforts are held worldwide.

COVID-19 Implications

Adaptations are made during the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual events and emphasizing family or small group cleanups.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Cleanup Day

Organize a clean up event

Get together with friends, family or co-workers to host a cleanup event. Team up to pick up trash and debris from parks, beaches, or any other outdoor areas that need help.

DONATE

Donate items

Donate items that are no longer being used to a charity or thrift store. Not only will you be cleaning up your own space, but you'll also be helping out someone else in the process.

RECYCLE

Recycle

Gather all recyclable items and take them to the local recycling center. This is an easy way to help reduce the amount of waste in your community.

CLEAN

Clean out your car

Take the time to clean out your car and get rid of all the unnecessary items you may have accumulated over time.

PLANT

Plant a tree

Planting a tree is a great way to help clean up your environment and add more oxygen to the air. Pick up a sapling from your local nursery and get planting!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Cleanup Day is Important

It promotes a sense of community

National Cleanup Day is an opportunity to come together with friends, family and neighbours to help make our community cleaner and brighter. It's a great chance to create meaningful relationships while doing something positive for the planet!

It protects local wildlife

By keeping our environment clean, we are helping to preserve fragile habitats and protect the many species that call these places home. Cleanup projects also improve water quality, which is critical for the health of both aquatic and land animals alike.

It helps prevent pollution

Litter can easily find its way into storm drains and rivers, resulting in trash ending up in oceans or even entering the human food chain. By keeping our environment clean, we stop pollutants from making their way into the water supply.