There is a group of unsung heroes in our midst, waging a quiet war on litter and transforming our streets and shores in their fight for a cleaner tomorrow.

There are 70 active Night Eyes Water and Land Care Group volunteers, many retirees, who dedicate their time to keeping the parks, waterways, and beaches across greater Caloundra clean for everyone.

Last week the group retrieved 22kg in waste from Happy Valley, including a lounge chair and television and a whopping 55kg from the waterways south of Bells Creek.

Night Eyes president Dennis Evans said while the work could be dirty and tiring, “somebody has got to do it”.

“One of the worst places for litter right now is along Caloundra Road,” Mr Evans said.

“We can literally be walking along in a crew in the morning in the traffic and picking up things people have decided just to sling out of their car window.

“It can be pretty bad along Pelican Waters Boulevard too.”

A recent clean up across Aura uncovered plenty of discarded vapes, an item Mr Evans said his crew was discovering more often.

“Vapes are a huge problem because they contain a lithium-ion battery which is a fire risk and harmful chemicals in the e-liquid,” he said.

Last month six members of the group collected 300kg of rubbish from Pierce Avenue including tyres, mattresses and landfill rubbish – mere steps from the dump.

But despite the relentless chore of it, Mr Evans said the Night Eyes teams usually carried out their business in an upbeat manner and enjoyed each other’s company.

“We do what we call a walk, talk and tidy and so that means we get to have a bit of a chat and exercise at the same time,” he said.

“We are funded by the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council as part of their Environmental Levy, so we feel they look after us pretty well.

“Obviously it would be nice if people disposed of their rubbish more thoughtfully.”

For information about how to become a Night Eyes volunteer visit www.nighteyeswaterandlandcare.com.au.