Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Upskilling to count litter

on the street counting litter on the ground

The Georges Riverkeeper team recently took part in the Australian Litter Measure (ALM), working alongside the NSW EPA and DCCEEW to better understand litter across our catchment. We surveyed parks, residential streets, and industrial areas. The highest levels of litter were consistently found in industrial zones. 

This work is part of a coordinated effort to collect reliable, state-wide data using a consistent method, which involves walking 100-metre transects and recording all visible litter. The data we collect not only supports state-wide action but also directly informs our own Litter Prevention Strategy and Roadmap. It will guide smarter local policies, targeted clean-ups, and stronger prevention efforts across the Georges River catchment. 

Litter goes beyond what we see on the ground, it flows into our waterways, endangers wildlife, and impacts the wellbeing of our communities. By contributing to the ALM, we’re strengthening the foundation of our strategy and working towards a cleaner, healthier Georges River through long-term, evidence-based action. 

Learn more about the Australian Litter Measure here.