Friends of the Rivers Peel cleaned from Pinjarra to South Yunderup

Co-ordinator Colin Eltin said the amount of rubbish collected from under the Forrest Highway bridge over the Murray River was a concern.

“People fishing from here seem reluctant to pick up their trash; that is after they have cut the fence to gain access,’’ he said.

Drink containers and household items continued to be over-represented in the total amount of rubbish collected.

The most unusual item was a gun safe minus the door, that was later found.

Mr Eltin believes trying to reduce rubbish is a lost cause.

“Who can we blame for this?

“The first response is always the government for not doing enough.

“But sadly, it is us, the public who have allowed this to happen. The social engineers have created a society that doesn’t seem to have a great deal of respect for their fellow citizens or the wonderful country they are so fortunate to live in.”

Mr Eltin said the State Government and opposition could be blamed for not having the courage to introduce drink container deposit legislation and local government for not ruthlessly pursuing illegal dumping and establishing fines.

More than 2.5 tonnes of rubbish was collected by volunteers.

The Pick up Pig award went to Marcus McGregor and his team.