Alabama's 39th Coastal Cleanup Seeks Volunteers Sept 19

Imagine what 115,000 people working together can accomplish. Since 1987, Alabama's annual coastal cleanup has pulled 900 tons of marine debris from beaches, bayous, and waterways, proving that community action creates real environmental change.

The 39th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup returns Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon across Baldwin, Mobile, and Escambia counties. Families, friends, and solo volunteers can choose from 33 cleanup zones to make their coastal communities cleaner and safer for marine life.

"This annual event is a testament to what communities can accomplish when they come together to take care of the places they love," said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The event brings together state agencies, businesses, and thousands of everyday people united by one goal: protecting Alabama's coastline.

Volunteers will receive everything they need to make an impact: trash grabbers, bags for recyclables, gloves, and other cleanup supplies from zone coordinators. The first participants to arrive will also score limited edition t-shirts, scout badges, and window decals.

This isn't just about picking up litter. Volunteers record the types of debris they find, creating valuable data that helps researchers understand marine pollution patterns and develop better solutions. Many plastic bottles and aluminum cans collected get recycled, giving discarded materials new life.

The cleanup is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, a worldwide effort to remove marine debris from oceans and waterways. Alabama's chapter coordinates through the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Alabama People Against a Littered State.

The Ripple Effect spreads far beyond cleanup day. When volunteers document what they find, that information shapes future environmental policies and prevention strategies. Young participants learn environmental stewardship firsthand, often becoming lifelong advocates for cleaner oceans. The event also demonstrates the power of corporate partnerships, with sponsors like the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Airbus, Alabama Power, and dozens of other organizations investing in Alabama's environmental future.

Registration and detailed information about specific cleanup zones, zone captains, and safety guidelines are available at AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com or by calling (251) 621-1216.

Four hours on a Saturday morning, thousands of volunteers, and nearly four decades of dedication prove that caring for the environment is something Alabama communities do together.