Then there were old bricks and concrete at Levys Point, tyres at Worm Bay and dozens of discarded cigarette butts and drink containers along the foreshore.

More than 60 people turned out yesterday in Warrnambool to do their bit for the annual national clean-up event. Dozens of schoolchildren had set the scene earlier in the week.

Warrnambool co-ordinator Murray Murfett said although the community's dirty habits had improved since be became involved in the clean-up 20 years ago there was still a long way to go.

"It's annoying some people can't be bothered taking their rubbish to be disposed of properly," he said.

"Our volunteers found 1.3 tonnes of rubbish near the Levys Point car park. Some people went out of their way to dump building material illegally.

"At the Hopkins River a lounge room couch was found dumped in the water - obviously someone didn't want to pay $20 or so for the transfer station fee.

"Divers found a length of spouting off the breakwater and tyres and a beach umbrella were at Worm Bay.

"At the Allansford highway wayside stop an old barbecue and packaging for a new barbecue was found.

"All this is unacceptable."

Mr Murfett said cigarettes and empty drink containers were still the most common forms of rubbish dumped .

Almost six cubic metres of rubbish was recovered from the foreshore and river areas.

Fishing clubs, surfers, skiers, Girl Guides, staff from businesses, the city council, Parks Victoria, LandCare members and even the Salvation Army and Mayor Michael Neoh rolled up their sleeves for the effort.

One volunteer got more than she bargained for at Pickering Point by uncovering a snake which slithered off to a quieter spot.

Residents of the city and Moyne Shire will have the chance to dispose of old chemicals and oils at a free collection point in the car park of Warrnambool livestock selling centre this Saturday.

Mr Murfett predicted there would be some arsenic or cyanide among the containers brought in.

"There would still be some leftovers in the homes of older residents from the days when arsenic and cyanide were easily obtainable for pest control," he said.

The service is available from 8am to 4pm this Saturday.

Premier John Brumby yesterday announced $6 million would be spent on education, infrastructure and more law enforcement to help reduce the state's litter by 25 per cent in the next five years.

More recycling bins will be placed at sporting grounds and shopping areas.