Stawell Urban Landcare volunteers have for too long been frustrated by this litter damaging the environment and decided to do something about it.

Stawell Urban Landcare is now part of the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Adopt a Roadside program responsible for the section of the Western Highway from London Road to Sloane Street. There are currently more than 110 active Adopt a Roadside groups made up of individuals, organisations and community groups operating across Victoria.

The program aims to reduce litter on Victoria's roadsides to stop pollutants from entering local waterways, improves the quality of vegetation, and prevents soil degradation and erosion.

It also promotes civic responsibility, community pride and fellowship.

"We hope to maintain a clean and inviting entrance to our town while sending a clear message that littering is an unacceptable behaviour in our community," Stawell Urban Landcare spokesperson, Veronica Monaghan said.

"As much as we would love to stop litterers we can't so our goal is to collect what has been dumped. At our first working bee, in just over an hour, we filled 22 bags with common items such as takeaway coffee cups, aluminium cans, plastic bottles, cigarette packets and syringes.

"The award for the most unusual item went to a pair of male underpants! We also collected numerous bits of tyres, cardboard and scrap metal."

Stawell Urban Landcare would like to issue a challenge to other groups to register to clean up further sections of the highway. It is a wonderful way to give back to the local environment with volunteers working together to make a difference.

Anyone interested in Stawell Urban Landcare working bees or activities please phone 5358 4410 or email admin@platypus.org.au