The annual Keep New Zealand Beautiful Clean Up Week, which runs from September 7-13, is just around the corner, and Queenstown Lakes District Council hopes the local community will dig deep to make a difference.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful Clean Up Week mobilises up to 70,000 volunteers every year - cleaning up beaches, picking up litter, removing graffiti, planting trees and much more.

Last year more than 52,000 volunteers took part in 456 events nationwide and organisers hope to get even more on board this year.

The QLDC is encouraging locals to take part in the clean up week here in the district.

“QLDC will be supporting Keep New Zealand Beautiful week by offering registrants free disposal of collected rubbish at either the Queenstown or Wanaka transfer stations,” QLDC said in a statement. 

The event is “an opportunity to give a little back and muck in with like minded folk,” QLDC said.

Hawea Youth Club doing their bit with a roadside cleanup.

Wastebusters is similarly supportive of the initiative.

"Wastebusters loves supporting the amazing groups who go out and clean up our neighbourhoods, they do an awesome job,” Wastebusters communications coordinator Ruth Blunt said. 

To arrange drop off of clean recycling, like cans and glass bottles, get in touch with Wastebusters beforehand by emailing Bis at [email protected] or calling 443 8606 extension 3.

Those wanting to organise a clean up event in the community can check out the clean up week event guide here for more information.

Wanaka has a strong clean up week track record, with schools, youth clubs, community associations, service clubs and more getting involved and helping keep New Zealand - and Wanaka - beautiful. 

Keep New Zealand Beautiful is a not-for-proft organisation dedicated to keeping communities clean, safe and beautiful. Its campaigns ‘Be A Tidy Kiwi’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’ have been part of New Zealand culture for over 50 years.

Learn more about Keep New Zealand Beautiful Cleanup Week, including ways to create your own event, join other local events as they are announced, and more, here.

PHOTOS: Supplied