On 20 September 2025, World Cleanup Day, initiated and led by the Let’s Do It World movement, once again proved that the power of collective action is limitless as millions of people across the globe united for a shared goal: a clean and safe future. This initiative of the Let’s Do It World global movement, which began in Estonia, has become more than just a cleanup action—it is a step toward profound systemic change. The organisers have set an ambitious goal—to engage at least 5% of the planet’s population, the critical number of people proven by science to create a new culture of responsibility and sustainable environmental solutions through joint efforts. The final results are still being counted, but it is already clear: this year the world may witness a new record of unity and participation.
"World Cleanup Day has always been about more than just clean streets. It is about restoring our communities and our countries—physically, socially, and morally. In a world with a record number of wars and conflicts, we cannot remain passive. Every cleanup is an act of peace, unity, and rebuilding trust. Our mission is not only to collect waste, but to break down barriers between people, businesses, and governments, so that together we can change systems and reduce waste at its source. At a time when division and destruction seem to have become the norm, we must create a new norm—cooperation, responsibility, and care for the planet we all call home."—Heidi Solba, President and CEO of Let's Do It World.
Across seven years, since 2018, World Cleanup Day has grown into a true global phenomenon: more than 114 million people from 211 countries and territories have already joined forces for a cleaner planet. Together, they have collected more than 708 thousand tonnes of waste, restored safe areas for living, and protected millions of animals as well as thousands of rivers, parks, and streets from pollution. This is proof that every action matters—and together, we can change the future. The next step depends on all of us—join in to give our planet a chance for a clean and healthy tomorrow.
This year, World Cleanup Day was held under diverse conditions. In many countries under extreme heat, as well during the rain, mass cleanups took place on beaches, in cities, and in villages, where tens of thousands of people, thousands of schools, universities, communities, and many embassies and institutions took part. In some regions, participants turned a single day into an entire “cleanup week,” while in others, despite heat or rain, the atmosphere was filled with joy, music, and unity. At the same time, some countries faced challenges: heavy rains, typhoons, political instability, or elections forced events to be postponed or cancelled. Yet even under such circumstances, activists found ways to support the initiative—from smaller local cleanups to special campaigns that received additional attention. As a result, despite different conditions, the key feeling remained the same—enthusiasm, solidarity, and a shared willingness to act for a cleaner planet.
In 2025, the International Contact and Media Center of World Cleanup Day was hosted for the first time in Ukraine—a decision that became not only an organisational step but also a powerful symbol for the entire world. The location of the centre in Kyiv drew attention to the environmental challenges faced by countries at war, while also demonstrating Ukraine’s resilience and readiness to combine environmental restoration with national recovery. This stands as an example of environmental leadership even in times of crisis and showcases international solidarity, as millions of people unite to protect the planet and local actions become the driving force of global change.
A global live broadcast took place from Kyiv, and the recording can be rewatched on the World Cleanup Day YouTube channel. Distinguished guests of the international studio included: Annely Kolk—Ambassador of Estonia in Ukraine, Michael Capponi—President & Founder Global Empowerment Mission, and Sergii Vlasenko—former Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine. Special greetings were shared by Margus Tsahkna—Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Estonia and Roberta Metsola- President of European Parliament, as well interviews with post war restoration and conflict experts such as Doug Weir and Anna Grichting Solder and many more. A special feature of the programme was the performances of popular artists: TOM SODA, Diana Gloster, Kamaliya, and Birgit Täht.
“In countries experiencing wars and conflicts, green reconstruction and environmental protection are not secondary issues but strategic priorities: renewable energy and energy efficiency strengthen security, modern urban planning improves quality of life, and preserving nature builds national dignity and a foundation for growth. In Ukraine, we feel the consequences of ecocide every day: destroyed ecosystems affect people’s health, the quality of water, air, and food. Nature knows no borders, and its restoration is only possible through the joint efforts of governments, communities, businesses, and every one of us. Even in times of war, we must restore nature, conserve resources, and keep our surroundings clean—for the sake of life and a sustainable future. Let’s make the world clean and safe together!”—Iuliia Markhel, National Coordinator of World Cleanup Day in Ukraine, Leader of Let’s Do It Ukraine
According to the World Bank, more than 2 billion tonnes of municipal waste are generated globally each year, and by 2050 this figure could rise to nearly 4 billion tons. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that in 2023 the amount was already around 2.1 billion tonnes, and if approaches are not changed, it will grow to 3.8 billion tonnes by the middle of the century. This means a catastrophic burden on the planet: waste ends up in the oceans, suffocates marine life, destroys ecosystems, and contaminates water sources.
World Cleanup Day engaged a remarkably diverse group of participants from all over the globe: youth, schoolchildren and students, activists, volunteers, families, community organisations and environmental NGOs, business representatives and professional associations, as well as public authorities, municipalities, medical and educational institutions. Local communities, international organisations, diplomatic missions, and even entire ministries joined the action—creating a unique partnership of citizens, governments, and business. Participants ranged in age from young children to seniors, and the geography covered dozens of countries and regions. Such broad cooperation proved that every level of action—from individual initiatives to nationwide campaigns—plays a vital role in building a cleaner, safer future.
MESSAGE TO THE WORLD
From the leaders of the global Let’s Do It World network:
“We all want to live in a clean, safe, and sustainable world—and this requires the collective action of everyone. Even the smallest steps, when combined, create a powerful wave of change. We must treat our planet like our own home: sort our waste, clean up after ourselves, respect nature, and make this not just a once-a-year effort, but a daily habit and discipline. From governments to citizens, from small island nations to large countries—we are all bound by a shared responsibility for our common home. Only through partnership, dialogue, action, and solidarity can we reduce waste, make the world free of litter, and pass on to future generations a clean, healthy, and peaceful planet.”
Participants emphasise that responsibility for the space around us should become a daily habit: even one hour of action can transform a polluted area—yet much work still lies ahead, and we must continue cleaning. Symbolically, some teams still wear T-shirts from cleanup actions as far back as 2014, showing the continuity of the movement. This year, hundreds of people gathered in some regions at the same time, united by one goal—to make their environment better.
At the same time, the focus is not only on cleaning but also on building a culture of cleanliness and a habit of not littering, as this is the foundation for lasting change.
Among the most inspiring stories of World Cleanup Day 2025 are cleanups in symbolic places, such as near the prison walls where a nation’s independence movement began; the participation of unexpected partners, like the SpongeBob team; the transfer of successful practices from Switzerland; the moving moment when swans returned to a freshly cleaned beach; and innovations ranging from “trash mapping” technology to underwater drones cleaning the seabed.
All of this proves that World Cleanup Day is not just about trash—it is about creativity, inspiration, and the power of collective action. It is a global response to the waste crisis and a signal that change is possible—but only if we act together. Join us, make your contribution to a cleaner planet, and inspire others. Let’s Do It World!
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