If you are running a Litter Intelligence survey and audit, please download and read the health and safety briefing specific to that programme by clicking the button below.

If you are running a DIY, corporate clean-up, or attending an event run by Sustainable Coastlines, please continue reading.

• All participants must wear closed-toe shoes, gumboots are not allowed.
• Pick up non-biodegradable rubbish from the coast and put into rubbish sacks provided.
• Put all rubbish together, recyclables and otherwise. Rubbish will be separated for data collection and recycling after the clean-up.
• Follow rules around hazardous objects, detailed in the section below.
• If you can safely carry them, bring all rubbish sacks back to the allocated meeting location and leave where instructed.

• Do not pick up asbestos. See photo provided.
• Only adults are to deal with syringes / medical sharps, and only if you have a secure container, such as a strong plastic bottle with a lid, to store it in safely. Otherwise, do not pick it up.
• Only adults are to handle hazardous waste, such as fishing hooks & lures, broken glass, sanitary waste (nappies/diapers, condoms, tampons), industrial waste, car batteries etc. If in doubt, ask Event Team or do not pick it up.
• Do not pick up natural / biodegradable waste including wood, unless fiberglass is attached.
• If any animals / marine creatures are found caught in rubbish, inform Event Team and photograph, take note of location & remove litter from animal.
• If carrying rubbish means you can’t move safely, leave secured sacks and/or large pieces of rubbish at least 5 metres above the high-tide mark, all in one large pile, and take note (plus a photo if possible) of its location. Inform Event Team so it can be collected after the event.
• Clean and sanitise your hands after clean-up and before eating.

• Terrain can be slippery, sharp or contain loose materials. Watch where you are walking. Do not run nor attempt to pick up rubbish while moving. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t proceed. 
• Do not enter the water: don’t get your feet wet.
• Extreme caution required with muddy areas and mangroves. Stay out unless otherwise instructed.
• Do not approach or disturb wildlife, including bee/wasp nests and nesting birds. Do not enter fenced-off bird nesting areas and do not approach penguin nests.
• Do not touch pest control units / traps.
• Obey all instructions from your Event Team regarding the clean-up area. If you need to go outside these boundaries, always check with Event Team first.
• Do not enter fenced- or roped-off dune restoration areas. Obey all beach signs / notices.
• Return to the allocated meeting location at the time agreed by the Event Team.

For injuries and incidents requiring First Aid beyond your team’s capability, make contact either via cellphone, VHF radio or a practical signaling system. Emergency protocol is:

1. Inform Event Team of the situation.
2. Do not compromise your safety to assist someone else.
3. Phone 111 if it is an emergency, otherwise call Event Director (number above).
4. If cellphone is out of signal, emergency channel on VHF radio is Channel 16.
5. If there is no cellphone reception nor VHF radio available, tie an empty rubbish sack to a stick and wave to signal for help to passersby or, where appropriate, return to event base for help.