We all know that feeling. You see a piece of rubbish on the side of the road, and you get that urge to pick it up (and prob chake syour head because it is hard to understand why people just litter). Many of us do, and today we want to shine the spotlight on three women in a small beachside town in WA who decided to take that action to the next level.

Meet the 'Roadside Rubbish Relics' from Dongara, a coastal town about 350 kilometres north of Perth. It's the kind of place known for rolling dunes and stunning beaches. It's also where one simple decision turned into a powerful reminder that everyday people can make a real difference.

One Piece of Rubbish Can Be a Turning Point

Fourteen months ago, local resident Glenys Bellis noticed yet another piece of rubbish on the roadside. Instead of looking the other way, she stopped. The sight of it made her feel uncomfortable, even disgusted, and she decided something had to change.

Her solution was refreshingly simple. She would spend her spare time picking up rubbish left behind by others. No grand plan. No funding. Just action.

Not long after, a chance chat at an op shop led to friend Sherry Martin joining in, followed by Glenda Green. The trio became known as the 'Roadside Rubbish Relics', a name that reflects both their humour and the odd mix of items they find along the way.

Gloves, Tongs and a Lot of Determination

These women are not doing quick tidy ups. Armed with gloves, bags, buckets and tongs, they spend up to six hours a day, sometimes three days a week, clearing litter from regional roads. This includes sections of the Brand Highway, a major road with a speed limit of 110 kilometres per hour and frequent road trains (not exactly a relaxing stroll).

Their efforts have added up in a big way. Between them, they have collected an estimated eight to ten tonnes of rubbish, including more than 13,000 drink containers. From thongs and crocs to household items that really should have stayed at home, nothing seems to surprise them anymore.

Bigger Than One Town

The Relics’ work shines a light on a much bigger issue. According to WWF Australia, around 145,000 tonnes of plastic ends up in our environment every year. Some of it is accidental. A lot of it is not.

The trio has found dumped building waste and full trailer loads of rubbish left in bushland, often close to a tip. It is frustrating, disheartening, and sadly common. But instead of giving up, they keep going

Community Noticing Community

In 2025, the Roadside Rubbish Relics were recognised with the Litter Action award at the WA Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards. Judges noted a clear reduction in litter and a visible improvement to the town’s appearance.

What really stands out, though, is the local response. Passing drivers stop to offer water, coffee, and donations. Some pull over just for a chat. It has turned a solo act into a shared community effort, and that sense of connection is something you can feel.

The Takeaway We All Need

For Sherry, the best part is knowing that every item they collect is one less thing polluting the environment. Her message is simple and powerful. If you drink it, keep it in your car until you find a bin.

At Go For Zero, this story hits close to home. Sustainability is not about being perfect. It is about caring enough to act, even when it would be easier not to. The Roadside Rubbish Relics remind us that small choices, repeated often, can add up to something pretty incredible.

Ready for another Feel Good story? Check out our blog here about a UK designer who repurposes tents that have been abandoned at music festivals! 

With Love, 
Ellie xoxo