Irvine's Riverbank has been left in a shocking state following the recent storms.
Members of Irvine Clean Up Crew removed 25 full bags of rubbish from the riverside at the weekend and described the mess as "overwhelming".
The group's Jennifer Pless said: "We were down yesterday to try and tidy up and also do a survey for Keep Scotland Beautiful's Upstream Battle campaign.
"It was pretty overwhelming. We managed 25 bags today and there is easily the same again to go back and get.
"We'll be going back out again to try and sort the rest, but it's really only a sticking plaster to a much bigger problem."
Jennifer added: "This is the result of systemic over consumption and a reliance on single use items.
"The scary thing is, that if there weren't people out trying to catch this litter while it's on riverbanks, this mess would eventually end up in the sea, where it is much harder to do anything about.
"Eighty per cent of marine litter comes from inland sources and the state of the river today shows how easily that can happen.
"It's something that needs talking about more. The bit of the riverbank we were on today is quite hidden from sight, but that doesn't mean the problem isn't there."
The Clean Up Crew will be carrying out another clear up of the riverbank next weekend and would welcome more help from the public.
Anyone who can join in the clean up can contact the group via Facebook or at irvinecleanupcrew@gmail.com.
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