With UNESCO Tanzania, more than 45 volunteers cleared 250 kg of waste from Mbezi Beach on World Cleanup Day 2026, then audited it to see what it was and where it came from.
On 21 September 2026, for World Cleanup Day (theme: “Strive for Five: From Clean Plates to Clean Cities”), UNESCO Tanzania and WEMASA organised a cleanup at Rainbow Beach (Mbezi Beach) in Dar es Salaam.
Over five hours, more than 45 volunteers, working with local community groups, filled 50 bags with 250 kg of waste.
A waste and brand audit of a 5% sample (5 full bags) found plastic bags were the most common item (150), followed by other plastic bottles (67) and baby diapers (35). MeTL, mainly through Mo Extra drinks, was the leading brand, followed by Mango Juice by U-Fresh Food Ltd and Tanga Fresh by Tanga Fresh Limited.
A cleanup alone cannot fix the root causes of waste pollution. WEMASA is building on the day with year-round education, community mobilisation and data, so that beaches like Mbezi stay clean.
Mobilising volunteers, residents and partners to clear waste from beaches, streets and public spaces — and to keep them clean.
After a cleanup we sort and count the waste and record the brand on each item, to show what pollutes our streets and beaches and who produces it.
Hands-on training for women vegetable farmers in Kisewe and Kiburugwa to prepare natural pesticides, plant boosters and fungicides from local plants.
