JOIN THE TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM FOR THE FIRST TRASH BASH BEACH CLEANUP OF 2026

By Two Oceans Aquarium

Samantha the penguin, a mascot for the Two Oceans Aquarium, entertains a young volunteer at a Trash Bash at Mouille Point beach and is honoured with a scout hat.

START The Two Oceans Aquarium invites all Capetonians to kick off 2026 with purpose by joining the first Trash Bash beach cleanup of the year on Saturday, 14 March 2026, at Mouille Point beach.

Trash Bash is a cornerstone of the Aquarium’s goal of building an environmentally aware and committed community. In 2026, this family-friendly event continues to offer the public an opportunity to take meaningful action for ocean health while connecting with like-minded ocean supporters.

A bucket filled with litter from a previous Trash bash Event with the Two Oceans Aquarium showcasing the variety of litter that threatens our ocean environment.

Event details

Date: Saturday, 14 March 2026

Time: 09h00 – 11h00

Location: Mouille Point Beach

Participants are encouraged to bring sunblock, a hat, water (in a reusable bottle), reusable gloves (like the ones you’d use for gardening or doing dishes), and a smile. 

Stand a chance to win – Trash Bash closes with a lucky draw prizegiving. Don’t miss your chance to win fabulous prizes!

A meaningful and family-friendly morning out

Trash Bash is designed to be accessible and welcoming for all ages. Volunteers can expect a relaxed but impactful two-hour cleanup, with Aquarium staff on hand to guide and support participants. One of the Aquarium’s much-loved mascots will also make an appearance to entertain young Trash Bashers and bring extra excitement to the morning.

A collection of microplastic found during the Two Oceans Aquarium Trash Bash events at Mouille Point this year.

Every piece of plastic removed makes a difference

Cape Town’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world, drawing locals and visitors alike for sun-filled days, celebrations, and treasured family memories. But after a busy summer season, the evidence of human activity often remains behind.

Plastic bags, bottles, straws, sweet wrappers, cigarette butts, fishing line, bottle tops, and thousands of plastic lollipop sticks are commonly found on our beaches. Even more concerning are microplastics (tiny fragments formed when larger plastic items break down), which are almost impossible to remove once they enter the marine environment.

Tragically, countless marine animals mistake plastic for food, while others are entangled in discarded fishing line or packaging straps. Encounters like these can lead to injury, starvation, or death for seabirds, turtles, seals, fish, and more. Plastics also release harmful chemicals into the ocean as they break down, impacting entire ecosystems and ultimately affecting human health.

“Beach cleanups are vital as they prevent plastic and other waste from being washed into the ocean. Every piece of litter removed is one less threat to marine wildlife,” says Helen Lockhart, Conservation & Sustainability Manager for the Two Oceans Aquarium. “Cleanups are also powerful tools for awareness and data collection, contributing to scientific research on marine pollution.”

Potentially, beach cleanups could provide valuable data to inform the fight against plastic pollution on beaches. The types and quantities of litter collected help researchers track pollution trends and inform environmental policies. During previous Trash Bash events, volunteers have collected everything from plastic cutlery and polystyrene takeaway containers to toothbrushes, cigarette filters, fishing rope, and tiny nurdles (small plastic pellets used in manufacturing). Each item tells a story about consumption and offers the opportunity to do better.

Silver the Shark, a mascot for the Two Oceans Aquarium entertains some volunteers at the February Trash Bash at Mouille Point beach.

Building community through action

Trash Bash is about more than collecting litter; it is about building a community of ocean stewards made up of families, friends, school groups, ocean enthusiasts, and visitors. The event creates space for connection and shared responsibility, teaches children the value of caring for nature, and allows participants to experience firsthand how collective small actions can lead to meaningful impact.

Possibly most importantly, Trash Bash beach cleanups can inspire behaviour change. Seeing the volume and variety of waste firsthand often motivates participants to reduce single-use plastics in their own lives.

“As we enjoy the last months of summer in our beautiful city, we’re reminded that protecting our coastline is a shared responsibility,” says Heather Wares, Communications Manager at the Two Oceans Aquarium. “The Mouille Point Trash Bash, right on the Aquarium’s doorstep, is the perfect opportunity for families and individuals to show appreciation for our ocean and take positive, hands-on action together.”

A Trash Bash volunteer scanning the rocky shore of Mouille Point Beach during a satisfying mornings work of collecting litter.

Join the movement

The Two Oceans Aquarium invites all Capetonians to be part of the solution. Whether you are a regular beachgoer, an ocean enthusiast, or simply looking for a meaningful family activity, Trash Bash offers a practical and inspiring way to care for our coastline.

For more information about the cleanup, please visit:https://www.aquarium.co.za/events/trash-bash