Trash on our beaches and in our waterways isn’t just unsightly – it’s also potentially dangerous to marine life and in some cases harmful to water quality. The annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup offers volunteers an opportunity to help make a difference for Delaware’s shoreline and waterways while joining an international effort to clean up the world’s waters.

The 2024 Coastal Cleanup

Volunteers for the 37th Annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup have two options to help keep the state’s beaches and waterways free of trash — join the cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 14 (or the rain date on Sept. 21) or take part in a month-long, statewide cleanup campaign.

For both efforts, volunteers will report the results of their efforts and add to a growing database of information about trash cleaned from our beaches, communities, natural areas, parks, and other public spaces.

The coordinated event and month-long campaign support Governor John Carney’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative.

Help Keep Our Beaches Clean and Litter Free

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is hosting a one-day cleanup event more than 45 sites statewide from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 14. In case the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s a rain date set for Sept. 21.

Volunteers can register for cleanup sites shown on a statewide map of cleanup locations in State Wildlife Areas (blue dots) and State Parks (red dots) statewide, and on beaches in Kent County (green dots) and Sussex County (purple dots).

Help Keep Our Communities Clean

The Coastal Cleanup event, and the month-long cleanup, help keep communities and natural areas in the First State clean through personal commitment. They support the Governor’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative.

Cleaning up locally makes a big difference statewide and keeps trash from entering waterways and making its way to beaches and beyond.

DNREC suggests several ways to make a difference all year long.

Pick up trash near your home to keep your neighborhood clean.

Follow a carry-in/carry out plan and take all trash with you when visiting outdoor spaces, like Delaware State Parks, wildlife areas, and reserves, or county and local parks.

Pack a disposable bag and rubber gloves when you take a walk, go for a hike, go hunting or fishing, etc. to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.

Recycle applicable items through in-home recycling or designated drop-off locations. Learn more at de.gov/recycling.

Don’t forget to wear gloves when picking up trash. And wash your hands thoroughly after cleanup activities. And, as we make our way out of the COVID pandemic, please and follow all recent public health advice.

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