Clean Up Australia - Review of Operations 2019-20

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

2019-2020

INTRODUCTION 02 CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY 04 THE GREAT NORTHERN CLEAN UP 06 EVERY DAY HEROES 08 GETTING FITTER WITH LITTER 09 BINNERS ARE WINNERS 10 GLOBAL OUTREACH - CLEAN UP THE WORLD 11 OUR WASTE CHALLENGES 12 CHANGEMAKERS 14 OUR PARTNERS 16 FUNDS FLOW 17

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

1

INTRODUCTION The start of this decade will go down in history as one in which we witnessed both heartache and were inspired by the resilience, bravery and sheer tenacity of the so many Australians who rallied to work side-by-side to survive, restore and rebuild.

Welcome to Clean Up Australia’s Review of Operations for 2019 – 2020, a year during which we lived through extreme times, with bushfires ravaging the nation in 2019, as well as floods, followed hot on the heels by a global pandemic that disrupted our lives beyond imagination.

March 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of the national event Clean Up Australia Day that has grown to become the largest community mobilisation event in the Asia Pacific region.

Despite these disruptions, the community continued to inspire us in their support of Clean Up Australia, seizing the opportunity it provides Australians of all ages and backgrounds to connect and take practical action for the environment. Bushfire ravaged communities came out in droves to work together on Clean Up Australia Day in 2020 with our volunteer numbers increasing with 47% growth in high school, 23% increase in employee and 11% in community participation.

In the midst of wondering whether Aussies would have the energy or even want to celebrate our milestone year, we were overwhelmed by the desire of communities and their local government areas to band together to celebrate 30 years of community achievement and take the next round of positive action.

Inviting Australians to Step Up to Clean Up opened the door to record-breaking participation!

Step Up is the call to action under which Clean Up is revitalising our core programs and expanding our reach through new projects, programs and partnerships. Our vision is to empower communities to reduce the environmental impacts of waste.

Because we believe there is no such thing as waste – just wasted resources.

Our focus on action ensures we remain on track to achieve our goal of a cleaner and healthier world for all.

While Clean Up Australia Day will remain the national event under which we galvanise a week of concerted volunteerled action, we are expanding participation options to include localised activity that empowers individuals to refuse, reduce, re-use and recycle all year round.

In partnership with businesses, we are showcasing initiatives that demonstrate how better recycling can create a circular economy, how single use items can effectively be replaced by reusable alternatives and how large-scale innovation can capture and repurpose items currently destined for landfill.

2019-2020 has been a Step Up year for Clean Up Australia.

Through the following pages we are proud to share the first chapter of our next 30 years.

Terrie-Ann Johnson Chief Executive

2

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

2020 marked Clean Up Australia’s 30th year of national action, and its purpose to clean up, fix up and conserve our environment is more relevant than the day my father started, with Australians creating more waste than ever and our heavy reliance on single use packaging. He would have been immensely proud that during those 30 years over 18.3 million Australians have donated 36 million hours of their time as part of Clean Up Australia activities, removing more than 380,000 ute loads of rubbish from our precious environment. What an impact!

I share his determination to look after our most precious asset, our natural world. As we look towards the next 30 years, Clean Up Australia will continue to support communities to clean up and will invigorate our efforts to prevent waste from being created at the outset.

We can all be part of that solution by the small actions we take to reduce our waste, just as the hundreds of thousands of Australians have done who have joined us with a Step Up to Clean Up pledge in 2019/20. From ditching the single use coffee cup to recycling their soft plastics, our Clean Up community is keen to make changes that benefit the planet.

We continue to diversify our funding and strengthen the financial position of Clean Up and are so grateful for the support of our dedicated Partners who share our vision and the generous support from community donations. We are proud to pledge that 100% of donations from the public are used to provide clean up materials and education resources to the community free of charge, helping us work together to Clean Up Australia.

Pip Kiernan Chairman

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

3

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY Clean Up Australia Day was originally created to bring attention to Australia’s litter problem and since its inception 30 years ago, our organisation has rallied communities towards a single goal – to clean up their neighbourhoods while highlighting the amount of waste that is escaping into our environment.

However, thirty years on, we’re creating more waste than ever and people are now more conscious of the need to protect our planet. Greater social awareness of environmental issues has made the environment an issue for all Australians, not just “eco warriors”.

2020 marked the first year of an exciting new brand identity and campaign messaging.

Working on a pro-bono basis, agencies BWM Dentsu and uberbrand provided creative services, content and PR support,

4

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

spearheading a bold new narrative and creative device for Clean Up Australia Day. In 2020, we asked Australians to not only commit to the Clean Up, but to Step Up to the future by taking their own pledge towards reducing the waste they create.

And so it was that during a month of action that spanned 25 February – 31 March 2020, an estimated 661,345 volunteers joined together to clean up their local parks, waterways, beaches, bushland and roadways – reinforcing the relevance of Clean Up Australia Day as the largest community mobilisation event of its kind in the Asia Pacific region.

The duration of the 2020 campaign was extended to accommodate sites postponed due to the bushfires that had raged across the nation during summer.

During the year’s campaign, volunteers registered 7,175 locations across the country and removed the equivalent of 15,538 ute loads of rubbish from the environment.

Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of volunteer action

47% increase in participation

by High Schools

Trial of biodegradable rubbish collection bags

Introduction of compostable rubbish bags for children

A record 564 business Clean Up sites registered by 328 organisations – a 23.1% increase in Business participation

AIS Ambassadors engaged with local communities nationally

25 businesses joined us as Business Supporters – encouraging their divisions and employees to give back to their communities

22% increase in Facebook reach, 6,092 Twitter followers; 165 thousand Instagram impressions and 13% increase in LinkedIn followers

Website sessions increased by 80%; with 66% increase in users

213 participating councils – an increase of 16 over 2019

22 Community and 23 Youth Allies

41,491,400 back of docket advertisements donated ShopA-Docket

342 McDonald’s sites

150 Shopper Media panels per week

Total editorial of 4,617 media mentions

11% increase in Community participation

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

5

THE GREAT NORTHERN CLEAN UP

The Great Northern Clean Up (GNCU) is Clean Up Australia’s Clean Up event dedicated to communities north of the Tropic of Capricorn. The sibling of Australia’s largest national day of environmental action, GNCU has been an annual event since 2009.

IN 2020, GNCU RAN FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER, ONE MONTH LONGER THAN USUAL, REFLECTING IMPACTS OF COVID-19 AND ALLOWING MORE COMMUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE.

And participate they did … with an estimated

3,139 volunteers at 108 registered sites, removing over

459

GNCU gives northern Australian communities the flexibility to participate in Clean Up events in the cooler months, after the peak tourist period, and prior to the cyclone season.

ute loads of rubbish from the environment.

6

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

7

EVERY DAY HEROES

A growing number of communities are embracing every day clean up action as they organise one-off or regular Clean Upevents all year round.

Australians are keen to improve our environment and protect our planet and we wanted to show that it doesn’t have to be onerous or difficult.

During the year volunteers registered 495 every day Clean Ups at which an estimated 18,224 volunteers removed the equivalent of 1,089 ute loads of rubbish from parks, beaches, bushland and waterways.

It just takes one person, to take one step, today.

During 2020 we asked Australians to not only commit to the Clean Up, but to Step Up to the future and inspire their family and friends to help make a change by sharing their personal pledge on social media and tagging @CleanUpAustralia

#StepUptoCleanUp 8

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

We asked: could you Step Up by saying no to straws? To bringing your own water bottle? To composting? To choosing not to buy fast fashion or refusing to purchase fruit and vegetables pre-wrapped in plastic?

There are so many ways to Step Up.

GETTING FITTER WITH LITTER

Do you want to save the planet and improve your overall health?

Then you might like to join hundreds of Aussies who marry their regular walk, jog or paddle with picking up litter.

During 2020 we offered three options: • Plogging - a portmanteau of ‘jog’ and the Swedish for ‘pick up’, Clean Up ploggers register as individuals or teams and set fundraising, distance and litter collection goals. Some jog, some plod

and some walk. Popular during COVID-19 lockdowns, plogging is a fun way to make a difference, every day of the year • Get Fitter with Litter – is proving attractive for dog-walkers and Aussies who prefer less pace but who want to remove the litter they see while taking regular walks • Adopt a Street to keep it neat – identifies a street where locals opt to remove rubbish as it appears, when it appears.

And thousands of small steps, make a big difference.

Together we can all be part of the solution.

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

9

GLOBAL OUTREACH - CLEAN UP THE WORLD

BINNERS ARE WINNERS Greening the Green is a three-year partnership between PepsiCo and Clean Up Australia that will see users of 110 local sporting facilities improve existing waste management on site.

A step-by-step guide helps users identify incoming rubbish, plot hotspots and install new systems that reduce the likelihood of rubbish entering the facility, better capture what is created on-site and channel resources into recycling.

10

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

On completion of the 12-week program, each facility will receive equipment made from recycled plastic product derived from soft plastics.

The program aims to restore confidence in recycling by demonstrating that what you put in the bin can be used to create useful furniture and equipment the community can enjoy. It also aims to educate communities on the importance of sorting recycling waste while driving demand for more recycled products.

CELEBRATED IN SEPTEMBER, OUR 2019 CAMPAIGN SAW 56 COUNTRIES REGISTER 154 EVENTS UNDER THE BANNER OF CLEAN UP THE WORLD. Africa led the way with 38% of the participation, followed by Europe at 18%, Latin America & the Caribbean at 17%, West Asia 14%, Asia-Pacific 8% and North America 5%.

The types of groups participating in 2019 were predominantly NGOs and Charities (28%) and Community groups (21%), followed by Other (16% - including religious groups), Educational institutions (11%), Businesses (10%), Individuals (8%) and Government organisations (7%).

47% of sites carried out clean up / rubbish removal activities, 29% undertook other activities such as education, awarenessraising and tree planting, and 24% did a combination of all of these.

18 new countries joined the campaign Egypt, Uganda, Pakistan, Bhutan, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Tunisia and Turkey.

Those that recorded the highest number of events were Brazil (16), Nigeria (13), Kenya (11), India (8), Ghana (7), Australia (6), Bolivia (5) and Portugal (5).

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

11

OUR WASTE CHALLENGES

Volunteers reported that half of all single items surveyed in 2020 were either plastic or contained plastic, over 40% of rubbish found within parks is plastics, and packaging continued to dominate rubbish counts, representing 49.8% of all reported rubbish during the year.

The uptick in single-use plastics including face masks, coffee cups, food delivery packaging and takeaway utensils is concerning.

In 2020, Clean Up Australia’s 650,000 volunteers committed more than 1.3 million hours of volunteer time.

What is clear from the rubbish they surveyed is that small stuff is an issue.

Butts, wrappers, lids and pieces of glass dominated the Top 10 list, accounting for 30% of Top 10 reported rubbish.

Cigarette butts remained the # 1 item.

Albeit small in size, the environmental impact of a cigarette butt cannot be underestimated. Leaching toxins and leaving small pieces of plastic in their wake – every littered butt provides immediate and longterm danger to our precious flora and fauna.

As a percentage of types of rubbish reported, plastics increased by 5%, glass by 4% and paper by 1%

Our 2020 Rubbish Report – based on data collected

by Clean Up Australia volunteers, revealed plastic as a proportion of reported rubbish continued to increase, with further research indicating it will rise further in 2021 as a direct outcome of COVID-19.

12

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

Cigarette butts remain the most common item reported by volunteers. In 2020 they represented 16.2% of all reported rubbish

Leveraging the findings from our volunteer-led rubbish surveys, Clean Up Australia continues to work with businesses, state and federal governments to encourage and influence legislation and better practices to reduce the likelihood of rubbish entering our precious environment.

During FY20 we actively engaged with federal and Packaging continues to dominate rubbish counts state governments as they representing 49.8% of all reported rubbish during the year reviewed and drafted plastic and national waste policies – representing the community’s interests in resource recovery Plastics at 36% of all reported and legislative reform. rubbish are the most common item reported across all locations, with 40.6% of plastics found within our parks and 31.7% found within our waterways

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

13

CHANGE MAKERS

Clean Up Australia is owned by the volunteers who so freely donate their time, energy and funds to supporting our calls to action. While Clean Up Australia works with the government of the day, we have a policy of remaining separated from political influence, allowing us to truly be the voice of the community we represent.

Our funding is provided by business partnerships and private donations.

Donating to Clean Up Australia means you can be part of Australia’s waste solution, all year round. We pledge 100% of any community donations go directly to empowering Australians to take action for the environment.

Clean Up Australia provides free resources and materials to communities, schools and youth groups throughout the year, supporting

14

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

a new generation of Australians to clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.

And from the tip of the Top End, to the rainforests of Tassie, from Albany to Yungaburra, we’re bringing communities together to Clean Up Australia, all year-round.

Clean Up Australia is proud to have achieved the ACNC seal of approval as a compliant registered charity that fulfils our allocation pledge.

As an additional fundraising stream and to offer our community an alternative means of donating, in 2020 Clean Up Australia joined Play for Purpose, an innovative fundraising solution that is a not-for-profit online raffle.

Our supporters can buy tickets for $10, knowing that a minimum of $5 from every ticket is donated to Clean Up Australia.

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

15

OUR PARTNERS On the business front we enjoy association with a number of like-minded organisations that provide funds, in-kind assistance and/or skilled services for our campaigns, projects and initiatives.

When an organisation partners with Clean Up Australia they undertake to improve their own environmental practices or to improve environmental outcomes.

Since 1989 we have witnessed some exciting public outcomes and a significant investment in infrastructure which is often not as apparent to the community.

• Silver Supporters: BioPak, Denso Ten, Verbatim, Bee Wrappy, De Bortoli, Greencap, Snack Brands Australia, Huhtamaki, Environment protection Authority Australia, Ergon Network and Energex

GREENING THE GREEN • PepsiCo Foundation

CORPORATE PARTNER • Luxmy Furniture [donation of office space in Darlinghurst, Sydney]

• A number of employees support Clean Up Australia through payroll giving and we thank the management and staff of Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, PWC, Qantas, The Smiths Snackfood Company, Findex, and Sumitomo for their donations.

TOTAL: $3,207,282 732,935

An alliance with Clean Up Australia is aimed at creating a non-financial partnership focusing on joint initiatives and mutual promotion.

552,239

78,000

• Leading Partner: Cleanaway

• Monitor Deloitte [Strategic review]

• Community and Youth Allies

EXPENDITURE:

• Founding Partner: McDonald’s

• Cummins South Pacific [merchandise storage]

• We also enjoy a unique position with local government nationally and we remain grateful to the Councils that provide their guidance and support to us and their communities.

2,314,100

• Suppliers: Amazon [distribution], ProChoice Safety Gear [adult gloves] Look Print [signage], Cleanaway Daniels [sharps containers], Amazon • This project received grant funding from the Australian Government

BUSINESS SUPPORTERS • Major Partners: Platinum Cables, ISS Facility Services • Business Champions: Baiada, Return and Earn

ADVOCACY PARTNERS • Circular Economy: CQ University, Unilever

558,485

• Beverage Containers: SodaStream, Exchange for Change [NSW – Return and Earn]

30,035 25,018

• Plastic bags: Coles, Rebel, WH Smith

Travel

• Bottled Water: SodaStream

4,167 Insurances

• Packaging: PLUSpak

Fundraising

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

TOTAL: $2,931,805

Administration

16

• Uberbrand [brand design, digital marketing and strategy]

Campaign delivery*:

• Platinum Supporters: CQ University, NEPEAN Building and Infrastructure, Danone, Saputo Dairy Australia, Pipe Management Australia, AGL

• BWM Dentsu [advertising and marketing assets]

7,021 Other revenue

• Business Allies

36,939 Merchandise sales

• Ernst & Young [Auditing services]

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY 2020

Government grants

We work with our Allies to encourage their network to participate in Clean Up activities and to make more sustainable choices, while promoting the vital role our Allies play in supporting Clean Up Australia.

1,800,148

Sponsorship In-kind

• Hunt & Hunt [Legal services]

• Anaconda

SOURCES OF INCOME:

Donations

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

CHANGEMAKERS

Corporate sponsorship

We congratulate our partners for their commitment to continuous improvement and look forward to being able to celebrate more of their achievements with their stakeholders.

• Gold Supporters: Clean Seas, Yokohama, Stylecraft, Integria Health Care, Storage King, Enjo

FUNDS FLOW

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS 2019-2020

*Clean Up Australia Day/ Great Northern Clean Up/Every day Clean Up

17

TEAM CLEAN UP

CONTACT US

Gabrielle Aitken – Customer Service Officer [November 2019 – March 2020]

Clean Up Australia Limited

Joeley Brown - Administration Assistant [February 2020] Wendy Chapman – Business Development Manager Terrie-Ann Johnson – Chief Executive Officer Daisy Kelly – Community Marketing Officer [July 2019] Pip Kiernan – Brand Ambassador and Strategy [January – June 2020] Johann Kytzia – Operations Officer Nicki Martin – Marketing Manager [October 2019 – June 2020] Sally Miles – General Manager Activation Liam Rankine – Community Relationship Manager

VOLUNTEERS Romayne Braid [admin] Brett Gill [admin] Hevi Mattini [admin] Melanie Slodyczka [social media] Melissa Reyneke [graphic artist] Jon Quinnell [graphic artist] Sabrina Norbido [graphic artist]

OUR BOARD Belinda Diprose Catriona Dixon Brett Hearnden - Company Secretary Pip Kiernan - Chairman Maureen Horder Terrie-Ann Johnson - Managing Director Andrew Post Dan Ratner

HONORARY LAWYERS Hunt & Hunt

HONORARY AUDITORS Ernst & Young

MEDIA RELATIONS Haystac, part of the BWM Dentsu group

Level 7, 140 Arthur Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 Web: www.cleanup.org.au Email: cleanup@cleanup.com.au Tel: +61 2 8197 3400 1800 CUA DAY [1800 282 329]

, WE RE VERY SOCIAL! Stay in touch through @cleanupaustralia Clean Up Australia Ltd