Founded over 10 years ago, Trash Hero is an organization that fights waste, particularly plastic. Their main action? Cleaning up trash on beaches, in cities, and rural areas across a dozen countries worldwide. Planning a trip to Thailand? Why not become a "trash hero" by joining a cleanup event? Here’s more about it…

What is Trash Hero?

Trash Hero is a non-profit, charitable organization launched in Thailand in 2013 by two travelers, Roman Peter and Jan Bareš. It’s a movement of volunteers dedicated to fighting waste, especially plastic.

Trash Hero around the world

Today, Trash Hero’s network extends across several Southeast Asian countries and parts of Europe, operating in 13 countries:

• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Vietnam
• Singapore
• Cambodia
• Japan
• Czech Republic
• Serbia
• Switzerland
• Poland
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Kuwait

Trash Hero’s initiatives

Trash Hero’s mission is to gather and inspire communities to clean up and reduce waste. They achieve this through several programs:

Trash Cleanups

Every Trash Hero chapter organizes community cleanup events with support from local businesses. Volunteers usually gather once a week in various locations (beaches, rural areas, city centers) to collect as much trash as possible in one hour.

Water Refill Network

Trash Hero combats single-use plastic water bottles by creating a water refill network. Partner businesses offer free water refills to the community and sell reusable stainless steel bottles.

Educational Programs for Children

Trash Hero runs educational initiatives for children and young people to foster a sustainable future. Alongside school programs and kids’ involvement in cleanups, they’ve created a fun book featuring the story of a little "trash hero," full of everyday challenges to reduce waste. Each completed activity earns points and rewards for kids.

Zero Waste Projects

Trash Hero offers ongoing training for volunteers who want to launch their own zero-waste projects. Topics include waste management, data collection, zero-waste principles, communication tools, and more. Thanks to this training, many volunteers have launched projects (such as community waste banks and composting programs) and have become zero-waste ambassadors.

Trash Hero by the numbers

• 20,838 cleanup operations worldwide
• 515,643 volunteers globally
• 2,451,362 kg of waste collected worldwide
• 108,688 reusable water bottles sold globally
• 39,671,120 single-use plastic bottles "saved"

For updated stats, visit [trashhero.org](https://www.trashhero.org).

Join Trash Hero cleanups in Thailand

In 2015 and 2016, Trash Hero Thailand received the prestigious “Thailand Green Excellence Award” for its exceptional contributions to Thailand's growth as a sustainable destination.

Are you planning a trip to Thailand? Consider helping reduce waste during your stay! Here’s how to participate in a Trash Hero cleanup during your trip:

Where to join Trash Hero in Thailand

Trash Hero chapters are spread throughout Thailand, including:

• Trash Hero Ao Nang
• Trash Hero Bangkok
• Trash Hero Chumphon
• Trash Hero Hua Hin
• Trash Hero Ko Sichang
• Trash Hero Koh Chang
• Trash Hero Koh Mak
• Trash Hero Koh Phangan
• Trash Hero Koh Samed
• Trash Hero Koh Samui
• Trash Hero Langsuan
• Trash Hero Patong
• Trash Hero Pattani
• Trash Hero Pattaya
• Trash Hero Prachuap Khiri Khan
• Trash Hero Ranong
• Trash Hero Songkhla
• Trash Hero Tha Sala
• Trash Hero Trang

How to join a Trash cleanup during your trip to Thailand

Joining a beach or community cleanup in Thailand is easy—just show up! Trash cleanups are free and don’t require registration. Check the local chapter’s website for the time and location of the next event.

Cleanup sessions are generally held weekly. You won’t need to bring anything as necessary equipment (like gloves and trash bags) is provided for free on-site, thanks to local business donations.

Ready to become a trash hero? Visit [trashhero.org](https://www.trashhero.org) to check upcoming dates and times for cleanup events. Besides being part of positive change, you’ll meet amazing people and enrich your travel experience.

Can’t join a trash Hero cleanup?

If you’re unable to participate in a cleanup session, you can still support Trash Hero’s mission to reduce global waste and plastic by volunteering or making a donation.

Florine Dergelet