Delaware Coastal Cleanup Seeks Volunteers for Sept. 19

Delaware is calling on its community to help keep its beaches beautiful, and signing up takes just minutes.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has opened registration for the 39th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup, happening September 19 across the state's coastlines. Volunteers will spend the day picking up litter and debris from beaches, waterways, and natural areas.

"For almost 40 years, Delawareans have been pitching in to keep our beaches, coastline and waterways beautiful," says DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. "These dedicated volunteers who share their time and energy have made a real difference in keeping Delaware pristine."

The cleanup offers more than 45 sites to choose from, stretching from Wilmington in the north all the way down to Fenwick Island on the southern coast. Volunteers can pick the location that works best for them and spend as much time as they want collecting trash.

Every piece of litter collected gets recorded in a database that tracks trash cleaned from Delaware's public spaces. This data helps environmental officials understand pollution patterns and plan future protection efforts for the state's natural areas.

The Ripple Effect

This single day of action creates lasting impact beyond clean beaches. When thousands of volunteers show up together, they send a powerful message about community values and environmental stewardship.

The data collected helps scientists and policymakers make better decisions about protecting coastal ecosystems. Clean beaches also mean healthier habitats for wildlife and safer, more beautiful spaces for families to enjoy year round.

Perhaps most importantly, the event brings people together around a shared mission. Neighbors meet neighbors, families create memories, and everyone leaves knowing they made a tangible difference.

If September 19 brings rain, the cleanup will move to September 26. Registration is open now at DNREC's website, making it easy for anyone to join Delaware's largest annual cleanup event and help protect the coastline for generations to come.

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