More than two tonnes of rubbish were cleared from our beaches, passages, roadsides, and villages thanks to the huge community effort during World Cleanup Day 2025.
Held on Thursday, 19 September, with cleanups continuing across the islands until 26 September, the annual event brought together communities across Rarotonga and the Outer Islands to tackle litter and raise awareness about waste. The National Environment Service (NES) led the nationwide “Cook Islands World Cleanup Day 2025” campaign, joining over 114 million people in 211 countries who took part in this global movement for a cleaner planet.
This year’s cleanup saw a record turnout, with around 43 organisations, schools, businesses, and community groups registering with NES, and an estimated 1,900 volunteers joining across the country. CITC and Prime Foods once again supported the event by providing reusable sacks, while NES coordinated pickup, weighing, and disposal with support from Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI).
Rarotonga led the effort with 1,438 kilograms of rubbish collected, almost double what was gathered in 2024. NES Digital and Communications Coordinator Sandee Cook said the increase showed more people getting involved, but also that there’s still far too much waste being tossed out. “Seeing so many people take part was encouraging,” she said. “It shows that people are aware and want to be part of the solution.”
In Aitutaki, Apii Vaitau wrapped up their cleanup on Friday, 26 September, joining Public Health, Tekaaroa Adventist School, Araura Primary School, SDA Pathfinders Vaipae, and many community members. Together, they collected 543 kilograms of waste. NES Aitutaki Officer Linda Ruamoana said, “While there was less alcohol waste compared to last year, there was a noticeable increase in dumped nappies.” NES extended a big meitaki to Neibaa Store, Baxter’s Waterworld, Papa Ben & Sparky, the Manapori and Re‘ea families for providing sacks, Mama Rima for her donation to the SDA Pathfinders Vaipae, and AIA Waste Management for coordinating the pickup.
Cleanups also took place in Manihiki (around 400 kilograms collected), Palmerston, and Pukapuka, with more reports still coming in from the Pa Enua. NES extends a big meitaki to everyone who registered and took part. You can view the full breakdown of each island and organisation’s collection on the map below. A special meitaki also goes to ICI for their continued support in coordinating cleanups and waste collection.
