Coastal Cleanup volunteers dispose of tires, bottles and more

Volunteers across Delaware came together Sept. 13 to take part in the 38th annual Coastal Cleanup organized by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Individuals, families and community groups came out to more than 45 sites – from Fenwick Island to Battery Park – and removed 5,121 pounds of trash from shorelines, wetlands and waterways. More than 950 volunteers of all ages signed up for the three-hour event.

“This annual event brings together neighbors and visitors willing to put a few hours into protecting our beautiful coastline, with all those individual acts adding up to a significant result,” said Greg Patterson, DNREC secretary, who joined Sen. Kyra Hoffner, D-Leipsic, Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, and other volunteers for the cleanup at Big Stone Beach. “Taking more than 2 tons of trash off the beach – much of it one bit of plastic at a time – shows the true power of collective action.”

Participation held steady from 2024, and volunteers this year collected 3,000 more pounds of trash than last year. Cigarette butts, food wrappers and bottle caps topped the list of the most-found items. Some notable large items included a car exhaust and other car parts, and a beanbag chair.

The data collected by volunteers helps show what’s washing up on Delaware’s shores, and it has informed state efforts to reduce litter. All data is also sent to the International Ocean Conservancy’s Coastal Cleanup database so Delaware results contribute to global trends and help develop solutions for cleaner oceans and waterways.

“It has been a wonderful experience to be involved with coastal cleanup for 20 years,” said Jennifer Pongratz, a DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship environmental scientist and longtime Coastal Cleanup committee member. “I love getting to see the same volunteers year after year that return to their favorite spots to give back in their community, as well as newcomers to the cleanup who get to experience the joy of this act of service for the first time.”

DNREC emphasizes that keeping beaches and waterways clean is a year-round effort. Simple actions make a big difference. Everyone should carry out what they bring in, pick up litter around their neighborhood, bring gloves and a bag on outdoor outings, and recycle properly. For guidance on what can be recycled in Delaware, go to de.gov/recycling.