World Cleanup Day is a global movement that brings together people from almost every country to tackle the issue of unmanaged waste and its damaging effects on our communities and environment. The primary goal is to unite individuals, families, communities, governments, businesses, and institutions in addressing the global waste crisis and fostering a sustainable, waste-free planet where all life can thrive. This international event has grown into the largest civic movement in human history, involving 211 countries, 95% of United Nations members, and over 91 million people—approximately 1.1% of the world’s population. As Heidi Solba, LDIW President & Head of Global Network remarked, “Whilst we recognize the importance and relevance of cleaning actions, we are not only a cleanup organization, we are primarily an awareness-raising and solutions-delivering one that addresses part of the triple planetary crisis. Waste and pollution contribute significantly to that crisis.”
In Tanzania, World Cleanup Day has seen remarkable progress. For seven years consecutive, this campaign has reached 370 locations across 24 out of 31 regions, involving over 80,000 people—equivalent to 0.2% of the national population. This extensive involvement has resulted in the collection of approximately 71,229 bags of waste, weighing a total of 1,008.33 tons.
September 21, 2024, marked a monumental event in Tanzania as we celebrated World Cleanup Day under the theme “Make Room for Life and a Healthier Planet.” This year, more than 7,244 people, which included 728 students, across 23 sites throughout the country participated. In collaboration with over 46 partners ranging from institutions, companies, NGOs, CBOs, and schools—the collective effort demonstrated the immense power of community-driven environmental action.
Nipe Fagio has been instrumental in advocating for strong policies to address waste management and sustainability. With 75% of the waste collected in public spaces during cleanups being generated locally, there is a clear opportunity to resolve much of this issue by enforcing national policies and regulations that limit single-use plastics and promote effective waste management practices. Marie Kwirine Nipe Fagio Policy Coordinator, highlighted the importance of strong governance: “Effective policies are the foundation for achieving lasting change in waste management and environmental sustainability. Through policy advocacy and strong implementation, we can ensure that our communities are supported by systems that foster responsible waste management and resource protection.”
Youth are central to driving lasting change in waste management. Tajaeli Masaki, Nipe Fagio’s Data Coordinator, stressed the importance of engaging young people: “Through our Youth Ambassadors program, we empower young people with not only the knowledge but also the tools to be leaders in their communities. The actions they take today will have a profound impact on tomorrow. By aligning their efforts with national and global initiatives, we are nurturing a generation of leaders committed to building a cleaner, more sustainable world.”
As we look ahead, Tanzania’s continued commitment to World Cleanup Day is an example of how collective action can bring about meaningful change. By addressing the waste problem at the national level, Tanzania is positioning itself as a model for the world, demonstrating that with the right combination of private sector collaboration, government management, and community awareness, we can foster lasting social change, build resilience against climate challenges, and preserve our environment.
