4,000 Volunteers Remove 170,000 Pieces of Beach Litter

Thousands of volunteers armed with buckets and gloves are proving that small actions create massive change along New Jersey's coastline.

Clean Ocean Action's Spring Beach Sweeps returns Saturday, April 11, inviting residents to join what's become one of the region's most impactful environmental traditions. Since launching in 1985, the event has grown from a handful of dedicated beach lovers to a statewide movement attracting more than 4,000 participants annually.

The numbers tell an impressive story. During 2025's fall and spring cleanups, volunteers removed and cataloged nearly 170,000 pieces of litter from 77 spots along New Jersey's shoreline. That's 170,000 fewer pieces of trash threatening marine life and spoiling the state's beautiful beaches.

The cleanup runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., rain or shine, at over 80 locations. On Long Beach Island, volunteers can meet outside Wally's Restaurant in Surf City, where Alliance for a Living Ocean provides all necessary supplies.

But this isn't just about picking up trash. Every piece collected gets counted and categorized, creating crucial data that drives real policy change.

The Ripple Effect

That meticulous record-keeping has already transformed New Jersey's environmental policies. Beach Sweeps data directly supported the state's 2022 ban on single-use plastic bags and foam food containers, preventing an estimated 4.8 billion bags from entering circulation each year.

The latest report reveals plastic comprises more than 83% of collected debris. Plastic bottle caps topped the "Dirty Dozen" list with 28,222 pieces, while plastic cups made the list for the first time since 2009.

"The findings highlight both the challenges our ocean faces and the incredible commitment of volunteers," said Meg Sulzberg, Clean Ocean Action's plastic-free sea coordinator. "The volunteers' efforts continue to drive meaningful progress toward a cleaner, safer coastline."

The stakes extend beyond ocean health. Recent studies show microplastics accumulating in human blood and organs, linked to reproductive, immune, and endocrine system disruptions. By removing plastic before it breaks down into these tiny particles, volunteers protect both marine life and human health.

Executive Director Cindy Zipf credits the expansion to volunteer dedication. "Thanks to the commitment of volunteers, Beach Sweeps continue to expand each year, reaching more beaches, inspiring new volunteers, and removing increasing amounts of debris from the marine environment," she said.

Among last year's unusual finds: cross-country skis, a full quart of milk, a whole watermelon, and even a wedding ring.

Every bucket filled represents progress toward healthier oceans and a cleaner future for New Jersey's cherished coastline.