How to Get My Workplace Engaged in Sustainability Initiatives like KAB Week

by Madeleine Coyle, KAB Copywriter (Volunteer)

So, you want to get your workplace involved in keeping Australia beautiful? That’s amazing! But… where and how to start?

“It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.”

David Attenborough
Writer, broadcaster and naturalist
Planet Earth II (2016)

How to Organise a Clean Up Event

Before you start

We suggest you reach out to your local council first–as they may already have something planned that week that you can join in on!
If not, then you can go it alone (don’t worry, it’s easy–promise!), and here is how:

Choose a Location and Day for your Event

Consider somewhere that your employees or colleagues value.

Is there a park nearby that people enjoy their lunch breaks in? Is there a notoriously littered roadside just around the corner from the office?

Look around for nearby public reserves, parklands and waterways. Ask your local council for ideas. Or better yet–ask around the workplace!

Check in with your local council

Contact the council to let them know where and when your event is–and to ensure that the area is publicly safe and accessible. Your council may offer further support (depending on resources).

If your area is on private property (another thing the council can clarify and assist with), you will need to seek permission from the landowner. 

Register your KAB Week event

Head to www.kab.org.au/kabweek-2025/ to share with us your plans!

Spread the word

Communicate the event around your workplace to encourage participation. Use posters in common areas, include it in staff newsletters, send reminder emails, or share updates via your internal messaging channels.

TIP: Use the KAB Week Toolkit to assist in your promotion.

Get fully equipped

Ensure all staff have high vis vests, gloves and clean up bags.

TIP: Having two colours for your bags, one for rubbish and one for recyclables, is a good idea!  

Suggest participants bring a reusable drink bottle and wear closed toe shoes.

Consider waste removal

If your workplace can’t dispose of the rubbish, ask your local council about a collection. 

Consider health, safety and risks

• Consider if your area may be potentially dangerous.
• You may like to have employees ‘sign in’ once they reach the site.
• Ensure employees wear enclosed footwear, hats, sunscreen, long sleeves and gloves, and bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated. 
• Depending on the size of your site, you may choose to have an area set up for water bottles and refreshments.
• Certain clean-up locations may pose risks, such as roadsides, riverbanks, long grasses, steep areas or near cliffs. Always take appropriate safety measures to protect the team.
• Be mindful of hidden hazards in some areas, including the possible presence of venomous snakes or spiders. Stay alert and proceed with care.
• Depending on the size of the area–and to ensure everyone stays within this space–you may want to provide printed maps, and/or clear instructions.
• Come prepared with the Snap Send Solve app to report large or unsafe items for removal. Encourage other participants to download this too!
• Vapes and Batteries should never go in landfill. Use a B-cycle drop-off point for batteries, and check with your local council for the safest way to dispose of vapes.
• Do not handle anything that you are uncertain about–we recommend contacting your local council if you come across anything that may be hazardous.
• Do not pick up syringes or sharp objects. If you spot one, notify your local council as soon as possible.
• Review your public liability insurance.
• Review your workplace accident and injury procedures. 

On the Day

Have a safety briefing before commencing. 

• Discuss road safety, working in pairs, staying within set boundaries, and the handling of sharp or dangerous items.
• Direct the group to the area you will be cleaning.
• After the event, you may like to celebrate with a BBQ or lunch (clean up events can really be enjoyable–and even fun–experiences!).

Share Your Event and Inspire Others

We love to see your hard work, so please share on socials and tag us. 

#KABWeek2025 #10minPickUpPiecesChallenge #10minPickUpPieces #KeepAustraliaBeautiful #LitterFreeAustralia #WildlifeProtection #SustainableFuture #DoTheRightThing #EcoAction

FAQs

Why should my workplace participate in KAB Week?

Keep Australia Beautiful Week has been an iconic part of our national calendar since 1972, inspiring communities across the country to take pride in their local environment. By getting involved, your workplace becomes part of a long-standing tradition of action and awareness.

Participating not only demonstrates your commitment to sustainability but also boosts team morale, strengthens community connections, and enhances your organisation’s reputation. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show leadership in environmental responsibility, while making a real difference.

How can I motivate my workplace to participate in KAB Week?

Start by making it easy and inclusive, encourage involvement by highlighting how even small actions can have a big impact. Share the purpose behind KAB Week and how it’s been inspiring positive change since 1962.

Use posters, newsletters or a quick team meeting to spark interest. Offer flexible ways to get involved, like a clean-up lunch break or a team challenge. Framing it as a fun, feel-good activity that builds team spirit and supports sustainability can go a long way.

Here are some resources you may like to use to engage your workplace:

What do we do if we find large or unsafe rubbish, like vapes or batteries?

For large or unsafe items, use Snap Send Solve to report for removal.

Vapes and Batteries are not safe for landfill, so we suggest using a B-Cycle drop off for batteries and contacting your local council for vape disposal advice.  

Do not handle anything that you are uncertain about–we recommend contacting your local council if you come across anything that may be hazardous.

What if it is raining? Should the event be cancelled?

Safety is priority, so if you do choose to cancel, please consider rescheduling (even if the new date falls beyond KAB Week).

Can I use the Keep Australia Beautiful logo to promote our event around the workplace?

The KAB Week Toolkit has some ready-made posters, social media tiles, email banners and more to help you spread the word around the workplace!

Have a question that we haven’t covered? Please get in touch

We also love the FAQs that our good friends at Clean Up Australia have put together. While this is specific to Clean Up Australia events (not related to KAB Week), you may find some more handy general information.

Other Ways to Get Involved

TAKE THE CHALLENGE

JOIN A LANDCARE GROUP

DONATE