Since 1985, over 70,000 volunteers have participated and removed
over 3 million pieces of debris from New Jersey's beaches and waterways.

About the Beach Sweeps

In 1985, COA launched the region’s first Beach Sweeps program to rid beaches of unsightly and harmful debris. COA's Beach Sweeps is one of the longest running cleanups of its kind in the world. The program has grown from 75 people at one site in 1985, to 5,163 volunteers at 115 sites in 2008. Volunteers gather from Raritan to Delaware Bays and along the ocean to clean beaches and waterways, as well as underwater sites. They join as groups (community, school, business, and organization), families, or individuals. Participants collect and record valuable data about debris, which is presented in annual reports and used to advance federal, state, and local programs to reduce litter.

Fish, whales, birds, and other animals often mistake litter for food. As a result, animals get entangled in or ingest items, such as plastic bags, cigarette filters, and fishing line, with deadly results. Cigarette filters mimic fish and have been found in the stomachs of birds and larger fish, blocking and affecting their digestion. Also, the filters are made of plastic fibers and trap carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals that are introduced into animals’ bloodstreams.
Moreover, plastic litter takes a few years to several hundred years to break down, thereby threatening wildlife for decades. Litter in waterways can also foul boat motors and propellers, resulting in costly repairs. Finally, littered beaches can ruin a day at the beach. Garbage slicks and wash-ups close beaches to swimming and are detrimental to tourism and the coastal economy.

Who should participate in Beach Sweeps?

Volunteers of all ages. Groups of 10 or more are asked to pre-register by completing the online form below, or by calling COA's Sandy Hook office at 732-872-0111.

How to get involved in Beach Sweeps:

To participate in the Beach Sweeps first review the list of Beach Sweeps sites. Groups of 10 or more are asked to pre-register by completing the online form below, or by calling COA's Sandy Hook office at 732-872-0111. When arriving at your chosen site, please look for and speak to the site's "Beach Captain," who will direct you during the cleanup. Interested volunteers can click here to learn more about the participant job description.

If you have any questions about the Beach Sweeps please contact:

Tavia Danch

Pollution Prevention Coordinator

732-872-0111

education@(Spam protected email address)cleanoceanaction.org

Tips for a Successful Sweep

Attend rain or shine
Bring and wear gloves
Dress for the weather
Wear sunscreen
Wear closed, hard-soled shoes
Stay away from large drums
Be careful of sharp objects
Stay out of dunes
Respect wildlife
Do not lift anything too heavy

Interested in leading a site for Beach Sweeps click here to find out more information.

Online Pre-Registration for Groups of 10 or More

First Name
Last Name
Street Address
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Telephone Number
Email Address
Group/Organization
Number of Participants
Preferred County to Participate in Sweeps
Preferred Sweeps Site/Area (optional)