The popular event was started by late Ian Kiernan in 1989 after he was shocked to see pollution in the oceans. His daughter and Clean Up chairman, Pip Kiernan, said that her father wanted to do something about it and decided to clean up his backyard.

"He organised a community event Clean Up Sydney Harbour in 1989 which saw the participation of 40,000 Sydneysiders. He knew that Australians were concerned about the amount of litter that was ending up in our environment," she said.

The event sparked enthusiasm among people and led to the birth of Australia Clean Up Day in 1990.

READ ALSO: The thing about cancer: Paul Scott-Williams talks about what it was like looking after late husband Warren

Since then, over 18 million people have donated their time as part of Clean Up Australia activities and over 380,000 ute loads of rubbish have been removed.

"The reason the event has continued for so long is that it puts it in the hands of the community and every bit that our volunteers are doing is helping the environment. Every one of us can get out, clean up and make a difference," she added.

"I am proud to be able to continue what he started and it's something that Australians get behind and care about. It's a privilige to be able to continue it."

The event is held on the first Sunday in March every year and you can register for a site to clean or join one near you at their official website here. The donations are used to provide materials to clean up in the communities.

READ ALSO: One in five Australians ready to move to regional areas

This year, Goulburn Mulwaree Council is helping people clean up public areas by providing disposal for waste collected during local Clean Up Australia Day activities. The waste will be collected at Victoria Park from 9-11am.

Registrations for the event, can be made as an official event with Clean Up Australia Day at cleanup.org.au or contact Goulburn Mulwaree Council on (02) 4823 4417.

Meanwhile, Upper Lachlan Shire Council is offering Upper Lachlan residents free disposal of household goods at its Waste Management Centres between 10am and 4pm.

Waste accepted at no charge will be domestic waste, furniture, e-waste (televisions, computers, printers, electricals etc), recyclables and garden organics.

READ ALSO: Horses stop by town to help out with police and attestation parade

The following items will not be accepted: chemicals, paints, pesticides, poisons, cooking oil, liquids, smoke detectors, gas bottles and fire extinguishers, tyres and asbestos.

Due to the costs associated with recycling mattresses, the council will charge the scheduled fee of $40 per mattress on the day.

The Taralga and Collector centres are only able to accept small household waste. Large items, such as furniture, must be taken to either the Gunning or Crookwell facilities.

Meanwhile, Wingecarribee Shire Council's free waste reduction workshops, which will be held at various times from Monday-Saturday, March 1-6 (except Thursday), gives you a chance to reduce your waste.

Business Clean Up will be held on Tuesday, March 2 and Schools Clean Up on Friday, March 5.

Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.