Volunteers Join Delaware’s Coastal Cleanup, Collecting Over 5k Lbs Of Trash

Volunteers cleared trash of all sizes from Delaware’s beaches, including Big Stone Beach in Kent County, pictured here. (Photo by Errol Ebanks/Delaware DNREC)

Delaware’s 38th annual Coastal Cleanup drew more than 950 volunteers to over 45 sites on Sept. 13, clearing 5,121 pounds of debris from beaches, wetlands, and waterways from Fenwick Island to Battery Park, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

Participation held steady from 2024, but this year’s haul was 3,000 pounds heavier. Cigarette butts, food wrappers, and bottle caps topped the list of most-collected items, while larger finds included a car exhaust, other car parts, and a bean bag chair.

“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 DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson, who joined Senator Kyra Hoffner, Senator Stephanie Hansen 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.”

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DNREC noted that the data recorded by volunteers helps the state understand what’s washing up on Delaware’s shores and informs efforts to reduce litter. The results are also submitted to the International Ocean Conservancy’s Coastal Cleanup database to contribute to global trends and solutions for cleaner oceans and waterways.

“It has been a wonderful experience to be involved with coastal cleanup for 20 years,” said Jennifer Pongratz, 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 emphasized that keeping beaches and waterways clean is a year-round effort. The agency encourages residents to carry out what they bring in, pick up litter in their neighborhoods, bring gloves and a bag on outdoor outings, and recycle properly.