Join us for a "virtual" Trash Bash beach cleanup

Please stay at home. In light of the President's lockdown announcement, we strongly advise against anyone heading to our beaches right now. If you'd like to take part in a virtual Trash Bash, please wait until the Presidency lifts lockdown measures in South Africa and it is once again safe, and in the public interest, to do so.

Covid-19 sucks. Beach litter sucks. Being stuck indoors sucks. Even though we are now all being careful to avoid group gatherings, it's still rewarding to be able to get out into nature and do something positive. That's why we've decided to make Trash Bash virtual!

Even though we've had to cancel our next in-person Trash Bash meetup, due to safety concerns around large crowds, stretches of South Africa's coastline are still polluted. That's why we want YOU to join us online to support Virtual Trash Bash in your private capacity.

Join the virtual Trash Bash by downloading the Clean Swell app and following the instructions below.

How to take part in a virtual Trash Bash

Trash Bash Cleanup is going virtual - let's help clean up our environment!

Taking part in this virtual Trash Bash is easy - just follow these simple steps:

Download the Clean Swell app (Available on Android and iOS)
Open the app and create an account for yourself.
Head to your beach of choice
At the beach, click "Start Collecting"
Fill in your details. Use "TOA Trash Bash" as your Group Name
Collect as much litter as you can and input your findings on the Clean Swell app.
When you're ready to leave, submit your data and be sure to dispose of your trash responsibly.
If you like, take a screenshot of your results screen and send it to us on @2oceansaquarium.

All the data that you create of the trash you pick up will be submitted to the Trash Information and Data for Education and Solutions (TIDES) database. TIDES is used by the Ocean Conservancy to track the impact of global cleanup efforts - and if you use the "TOA Trash Bash" group name, we'll be able to keep an eye on your contributions!

Your health

At this point in time, it is important for South Africans to avoid large group gatherings - that's why we've decided that a "virtual" Trash Bash, where you can visit the beach at a time and date that suits you, rather than hosting a large cleanup event is better, and healthier, for us all.

Whether you're Trash Bashing at Lagoon Beach, or going about your daily business, please protect yourself and those around you by taking the following precautions:

Avoid touching your face.
Wash or sanitise your hands often.
Remember to sanitise other things you touch often, eg. Your smartphone.
Avoid large groups of people.
If you are feeling ill, especially if you are experiencing coughing, fever or breathing difficulties, please self-isolate and contact the Coronavirus Outbreak Hotline on 0800 029 999.

Trash Bash archive

In the past, the Two Oceans Aquarium has always supported International Coastal Cleanup Day, taking place in September each year. Trash Bash is a campaign by the Two Oceans Aquarium, expanding on our previous cleanup commitments. With your support, we hope to grow the attendance of these cleanups and to entrench them as part of Cape Town’s culture.