Around 300,000 people across the country are expected to take part in this month's National Spring Clean from today.
Throughout April, groups, schools, businesses and individuals will be encouraged to arrange clean-ups and heighten awareness of litter and waste issues.
The annual campaign, now in its eighth year, is organised by An Taisce and aims to raise public awareness and participation in local anti-litter clean-ups.
Last year, more than 295,000 volunteers participated in 3,487 events nationwide. An estimated 2353 tonnes of litter was collected with 35 per cent of all waste collected recycled.
Some 1,700 groups have registered to take part this year, including residents' associations, schools, tidy towns, community and youth groups and individuals.
Volunteers are equipped with free materials, donated by sponsors, including health and safety instructions, posters, competitions and games, as well as refuse sacks, litter pickers and gloves.
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Dick Roche said local authorities spend around €80 million annually on street cleaning and litter warden services.