Kilkenny County Council launches fourth annual Team Up to Clean Up campaign
Kilkenny County Council is inviting communities, schools, businesses and voluntary organisations across the county to participate in the fourth annual Team Up to Clean Up campaign, which aims to enhance the local environment by completing a litter pick in their neighbourhood over September 25-27
Kilkenny County Council has announced the launch of the fourth annual Team Up to Clean Up – Together for Kilkenny campaign, inviting communities, schools, businesses, sports clubs and voluntary organisations across the county to once again come together in a shared commitment to enhance the local environment by completing a litter pick in their neighbourhood over September 25-27.
Since its launch in 2023, Team Up to Clean Up has grown into one of County Kilkenny's most successful community litter initiatives, inspiring thousands of citizens to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, civic pride and community stewardship.
Led by Kilkenny County Council and supported by valued sponsors Dawn Meats, Tirlán, PRL and the John O'Shea Trust, the initiative encourages people to view themselves not simply as residents, but as custodians of the places where they live, work and enjoy.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Joe Malone said: "Team Up to Clean Up” has become much more than a litter-picking weekend. It is about creating lasting behavioural change and encouraging all of us to take responsibility for our local environment. The success of the initiative over the past three years demonstrates the power of communities working together to make a real difference.”
Bernadette Moloney, Environmental Awareness Officer who is co-ordinating the campaign this year would like to remind groups of the early bird registration offer, all groups who sign up before the 7th of September will be entered into a draw for €250, early registration helps in ensuring litter picking packs are distributed in time. This year, to ensure we continue to be sustainable, previous participants can seek a top up supply of litter picking materials rather than receiving a standard litter picking pack which accommodates eight volunteers. To keep all volunteers safe, litter picks must be restricted to areas with a speed limit of 60km/ph or less.
Education remains a core element of the initiative. This year the campaign joins forces with The Rubbish Film Festival to empower secondary school students to create impactful short films that spotlight environmental challenges and drive meaningful change.
Registration for Team Up to Clean Up 2026 is now open, and Kilkenny County Council is encouraging all community groups, schools, businesses, sporting organisations and residents' associations to sign up and play their part by registering via https://cleanup.kilkenny.ie/. The registration portal will close on September 23 in preparation for the Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny weekend, taking place from September 25-27.