Thanks to the volunteers, like the ones shown here at Cape Henlopen State Park, trash removed from the shorelines and waterways were unable to be carried farther into the coastal environment /Delaware DNREC Photo

Annual Cleanup Took Place A Week Before Nor’easter Impacted Delaware Coast

Volunteers across Delaware joined together on Sept. 19 for the 39^th annual Coastal Cleanup organized by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Individuals, families and community groups turned out at more than 45 sites – from Fenwick Island to Battery Park – and removed more than 3,800 pounds of trash from shorelines, wetlands and waterways. More than 1,200 volunteers of all ages signed up for the three-hour DNREC Delaware beautification event.

 “We had a great turnout for the annual cleanup this year, and it was so heartening to see and hear the enthusiasm from both longtime and first-time volunteers who gave their time to clean our state” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson, who joined volunteers for the cleanup at the Little Creek Wildlife Area and Port Mahon. “Just a week later, we were reminded how quickly conditions along our coast can change when a nor’easter flooded many of our beaches. I’m grateful to everyone who helped remove litter before that storm and to the DNREC employees and local partners who have worked tirelessly on our beaches since then.”

Volunteers collected about the same amount of trash as in 2025, removing about 21,000 individual items. Cigarette butts, food wrappers and bottle caps were the top three items removed from the sites. Some notable large items included construction materials and a grill, among others which can be found on the dashboard on the de.gov/coastalcleanup webpage. The timing proved especially important when the nor’easter arrived the following week. Thousands of pieces of litter had already been removed from beaches, wetlands and waterways before storm surge and flooding could carry them farther into the coastal environment.

The storm subsequently deposited a new wave of debris along Delaware’s coast, including pier pilings, construction materials and signage. DNREC shoreline crews have been removing that storm debris as part of the ongoing recovery effort. Keeping litter and debris out of Delaware’s waterways and coastal environment is a year-round effort, whether it comes from everyday activities or a major coastal storm.

The data collected by volunteers helps show what’s washing up on Delaware’s shores and have informed state efforts to reduce litter. All data are also sent to the International Ocean Conservancy’s Coastal Cleanup database so Delaware results contribute to global trends and help solutions for cleaner oceans and waterways.

“It has been one of my favorite events of the year to organize and participate in,” said Alyssa Kolakowski, DNREC Coastal Cleanup coordinator. “Seeing first-hand as well as hearing from the volunteers how much they enjoy participating in keeping the shorelines and waterways clean is the perfect reminder of why we do this each year.”

DNREC emphasizes that keeping beaches and waterways clean is a year-round effort. Simple actions make a big difference: carry out what you bring in, pick up litter around your neighborhood, bring gloves and a trash bag on outdoor outings, and recycle properly. Visit the de.gov/recycling webpage for guidance on what can be recycled in Delaware.

DNREC will update the de.gov/coastalcleanup webpage with a results dashboard, information about next year’s cleanup date and volunteer sign-up when details are available.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Alyssa Kolakowski, alyssa.imprescia@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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