More than 300,000 people are expected to take part in this year's National Spring Clean which runs throughout this month.
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.
Funded by the Department of the Environment, Coca Cola Bottlers Ireland and Wrigley Company Ltd, this year's campaign slogans are "Litter - it's our responsibility" and "Team up to clean up".
So far 1,700 groups have registered to take part, 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, tabards, litter pickers and gloves.
Patricia Oliver, chairwoman of National Spring Clean 2006, said the event has continued to be a success because it brings people together. "Everyone can get involved. All they need to do is take some time out, go to an area near them and clean it up. It's that simple."
