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 2022 Coastal Cleanup

Volunteers for the 35th 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. 17, or take part in a month-long, statewide cleanup campaign.

For both efforts, volunteers 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 Coastal Cleanup Data Collection Form also allows volunteers to upload photos of what they found, and who helped out. The results are updated in real time on the interactive map below.

Help Keep Our Communities Clean

The Department is also sponsoring a month-long campaign encouraging Delawareans and visitors to clean up neighborhoods, green spaces and waterways statewide on days, times and locations of their choosing during September 2022.

All Delawareans and visitors are encouraged to make a special effort throughout the month to keep communities and natural areas in the First State clean through personal commitment and support of 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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