Environmental cleanup events are held in nearly every country until concluding near the international date line in Hawaii and American Samoa.

Individuals, governments, corporations and organizations are all encouraged to take part in cleanups and to find solutions to tackle mismanaged waste.

Global cleanup efforts have existed in many forms throughout human history, especially after widespread catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, and powerful tsunamis.

They have included efforts to remove land mines, beach cleanups, and other municipal and non-governmental actions.

[4] Participants in World Cleanup Days are typically volunteers, with coordination from non-governmental organizations who assist in awareness-raising, logistics, and fundraising.