Mega milestone as Eco Amigos clear 1,344 bags of rubbish from Costa del Sol’s towns and beaches, how you can get involved

Eco Amigos, a group dedicated to cleaning up Costa del Sol's towns and beaches, have recently achieved a significant milestone by collecting a total of 1,344 large bags of rubbish since 2024. Founders Melissa and Danny Vaughn revealed that volunteers gathered 525 bags between January and September 2026, and an impressive 819 bags between November 2024 and November 2025. All collected waste was disposed of correctly, preventing contamination of beaches, recreational areas, riverbeds, and urban centers.

The eco-friendly initiative was born in Casares Costa in late 2024, when a small group of locals decided to take action against the increasing waste problem. Their motto, "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something," has inspired volunteers of various nationalities to join forces and protect the local environment. These dedicated individuals typically meet on Sunday mornings for about an hour and a half of litter-picking in Casares, Manilva, Estepona, and Marbella, focusing on hard-to-reach areas such as rocky coastlines and drainage channels.

The organizers provide essential equipment, such as bags, gloves, and litter pickers, free of charge. Families are welcome to participate, allowing children to learn about the importance of caring for nature firsthand. Despite Melissa and Danny relocating two hours away next month, core members of the volunteer crew have pledged to continue the monthly clean-ups throughout the year.

The most recent effort took place in August, when seven volunteers braved the Spanish summer heat to collect 37 bags of rubbish from woodland and roadside gutters near a petrol station, a Gavira furniture store, and a local restaurant. While one-third of the haul was recyclable, the effort still contributed significantly to keeping the area clean.

Melissa and Danny have hinted at upcoming information regarding involvement in autumn and winter clean-ups, as well as the potential launch of a new Eco Amigos chapter east of Málaga city in early 2027.

To support the Eco Amigos cause, interested individuals can join their Facebook page, visit ecoamigos.net for more details, or contact the organizers directly. By even removing a single bag of rubbish, everyone can make a difference to the coast they cherish.