An Taisce is calling on volunteers across the country to join the National Spring Clean, Ireland’s largest and longest running anti-litter campaign, which runs annually in April.

First established in 1999, this marks the 27^th year of the hugely successful initiative, which is operated by An Taisce and funded by the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy.

According to An Taisce, over 52,000t of litter has been collected over the 27 years, which it called "a testament to the ongoing dedication of thousands of volunteers nationwide".

Last year’s National Spring Clean saw volunteers across the country take part in over 5,250 clean-up events.

Now that the evenings are getting longer, An Taisce is once again encouraging people to get involved by registering now, individually, or in community groups.

Volunteers can either receive a clean-up kit for taking part in the campaign or reuse last year's in the spirit of reduce, reuse, recycle.

Minister of State with responsibility for the circular economy, Alan Dillon said that An Taisce’s National Spring Clean is a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose.

He said: "Every year, the thousands of volunteers taking part continue to demonstrate their shared community spirit and desire to make a positive contribution to the local environment.

"I’m confident that this year will see even more people getting involved, strengthening that community spirit and making an even greater impact nationwide," the minister contended.

Emlyn Cullen, National Spring Clean manager, highlighted the positive impact of the campaign on local communities across the country, and its effect on streets, parks and coastlines.

She said: “Year after year, the National Spring Clean continues to make a positive difference, as volunteers work to clean up local communities and protect Ireland’s environments and biodiversity.

"As we launch the 2026 campaign, we’re excited to build on this momentum and inspire even more communities to get involved."

The 2026 National Spring Clean continues to highlight the importance of a circular economy and waste reduction.

Last year, an estimated 30% of all litter collected during the campaign was recycled, and organisers aim to achieve the same success again this year.

The campaign’s commitment to supporting the circular economy and recycling initiatives is further supported by schemes such as the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

As of last February, people in this country returned more than 2.4 billion plastic bottles and aluminium cans through the scheme, helping to boost recycling and reduce waste.

According to Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), litter levels have fallen nationwide over the last year, with improvements seen in all urban areas and a major reduction in litter black spots, such as bottle banks.

Despite these positive trends, overall litter levels remain high, with disposable coffee cups now among the most commonly found forms of litter, alongside cigarettes and vapes. 

Emyln Cullen, manager of the National Spring Clean programme, said that since the introduction of the DRS scheme, there has been a 60% drop in can and plastic bottle litter.

"Positive progress like this shows the impact that individuals and communities can have on waste reduction when everyone rallies together."