DNREC Announces Volunteer Registration Opening Today for Delaware Coastal Cleanup Sept. 23

Volunteers picked up trash at Fox Point State Park, one of 45 sites cleaned during the 2022 Delaware Coastal Cleanup. /DNREC photo.

Volunteers throughout the state are encouraged to join the 2023 Delaware Coastal Cleanup, the annual one-day coordinated statewide trash cleanup event on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon, with online volunteer registration opening today. Hosted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and now in its 36th year, the event will be held at 45 sites to help keep Delaware’s beaches and waterways free of trash.

In addition, Delawareans and visitors are invited to join the month-long campaign starting Sept. 1 to clean up neighborhoods, green spaces and waterways statewide on days, times and at locations of their choice. The coordinated event and month-long campaign support Governor John Carney’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative.

“Four years after the launch of our Keep DE Litter Free initiative, we are seeing Delawareans of all ages and communities coming together to keep our neighborhoods, coastlines and outdoor spaces clear of litter,” Governor Carney said. “Over 1,200 volunteers came out to last year’s Delaware Coastal Cleanup to help in our statewide cleanup efforts. Thank you to all volunteers who participate in our efforts to keep our state beautiful.”

“Last year, the number of volunteers who joined us to pick up trash from our beaches, waterways and wetlands doubled. This year, we hope that even more Delawareans and visitors of all ages will give their time for one day to make a difference,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We also continue to encourage volunteers to make every day a cleanup day in Delaware during the month of September – and throughout the year.”

Volunteers at the event speaking with the site captain. For the Sept. 23 coordinated cleanup, volunteers should sign up by Friday, Sept. 1 for their choice of sites through the Coastal Cleanup page at de.gov/coastalcleanup. Walkups are not encouraged due to volunteer site capacity limitations.

Site captains with supplies will be on site to sign in volunteers and provide supplies, trash bags and directions. Although gloves, paper data cards and pens will be available upon request, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and to use the online Coastal Cleanup reporting tool, when it goes live Sept. 1, to share their findings. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own five-gallon buckets to collect trash, emptying the buckets into consolidated trash bags to reduce the number of plastic bags going to landfills.

Find ideas about how to get involved in the 2023 Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Facebook and Twitter. Volunteers in both the coordinated event on Sept. 23 and the month-long campaign can post photos on facebook.com/DelawareDNREC for a chance to win a 2023 Delaware State Parks pass and a prize bag. Volunteers can post photos as often as they like throughout the month, with each photo counting as a one entry. All volunteers should also report their findings and are invited to share photos through the Coastal Cleanup page. Results will be updated during all month long and will appear on an interactive map.

Last year, 1,180 volunteers cleaned up 6,248 pounds of trash from waterways, wetlands and other natural areas. The top five trash items collected were: 12,280 cigarette butts; 4,986 plastic and glass beverage bottles and cans; 4,852 food wrappers and containers; 300 balloons, and 459 plastic bags, half the number from the year before.

Cleaning up locally makes a big difference statewide and keeps trash from entering waterways and making its way to beaches and beyond. DNREC suggests several ways to help make a difference all year long:

Be proactive by picking up trash near your home to keep your neighborhood clean.
Follow a carry-in/carry out plan and take all trash with you when visiting outdoor spaces, like Delaware State Parks, DNREC wildlife areas, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve locations, and county or local parks.
Pack a bag and rubber gloves when you take a walk, go for a hike, go hunting or fishing, etc., to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.
Recycle applicable items through in-home recycling or designated drop-off locations. Learn more at de.gov/recycling.

DNREC reminds everyone to wear gloves when picking up trash, wash hands thoroughly after cleanup activities. More information and volunteer registration can be found at de.gov/coastalcleanup. Volunteers also can email questions to DNREC_Coastal_Cleanup@delaware.gov.

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 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov, Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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DNREC Seeks Volunteers for Delaware Coastal Cleanup Sept. 17

Volunteers picking up trash on the beach in a past Delaware Coastal Cleanup. (2017)

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is hosting the 35th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at 41 sites statewide to help keep the state’s beaches and waterways free of trash. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for the one-day coordinated event when online volunteer registration opens on Monday, Aug. 1.

In addition, Delawareans and visitors are invited to join the month-long campaign starting Sept. 1 to clean up neighborhoods, green spaces and waterways throughout the state on days, times and at locations of their choice. The coordinated event and month-long campaign support Governor John Carney’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative.

“In 2019, we launched the Keep DE Litter Free initiative with the goal of building stronger communities and working together to keep our state beautiful by keeping our coastlines and outdoor spaces clear of litter,” Governor Carney said. “I thank our other state and local partners who plan and support the Delaware Coastal Cleanup, and I encourage all Delawareans to participate on cleanup day – and all year round.”

“DNREC encourages all Delawareans and visitors to make time to help keep our beaches, waterways and wetlands clean and free of trash throughout the year,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The Coastal Cleanup is a great reminder that volunteers of all ages can make a difference, whether they sign up for the Sept. 17 statewide cleanup event or choose their own time, date and place to pick up trash.”

For the Sept. 17 coordinated cleanup, volunteers should sign up by Wednesday, Aug. 31 for their choice of sites through the Coastal Cleanup page at de.gov/coastalcleanup. Site captains with supplies will be on site to sign in volunteers and provide trash bags and directions. Although gloves, paper data cards and pencils will be available upon request, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and to use the online Coastal Cleanup reporting tool, when it goes live Sept. 1, to share their findings. Walkups are not encouraged due to volunteer site capacity limitations.

Find ideas about how to get involved in the 2022 Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Facebook and Twitter. Volunteers in both the coordinated event on Sept. 17 and the month-long campaign can post photos on facebook.com/DelawareDNREC for a chance to win a 2023 Delaware State Parks pass and a prize bag. Volunteers can post photos as often as they like throughout the month, with each photo counting as a one entry. All volunteers should also report their findings and are invited to share photos through the Coastal Cleanup page. Results will be updated during all month long and will appear on an interactive map.

Last year, nearly 600 volunteers filled about 400 bags, cleaning up 5,500 pounds of trash from waterways, wetlands and other natural areas. The top five trash items collected were: 7,671 cigarette butts; 2,921 plastic and glass beverage bottles and cans; 1,785 food containers; 846 plastic bags; and 381 balloons.

Be proactive by picking up trash near your home to keep your neighborhood clean.
Follow a carry-in/carry out plan and take all trash with you when visiting outdoor spaces, like Delaware State Parks, DNREC wildlife areas, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve locations, and county or local parks.
Pack a bag and rubber gloves when you take a walk, go for a hike, go hunting or fishing, etc., to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.
Recycle applicable items through in-home recycling or designated drop-off locations. Learn more at de.gov/recycling.

DNREC reminds everyone to wear gloves when picking up trash, wash hands thoroughly after cleanup activities, and follow all recent public area protocols, including the most current COVID-19 guidance.

More information and volunteer registration can be found at de.gov/coastalcleanup. Volunteers also can email questions to DNREC_Coastal_Cleanup@delaware.gov.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov, Joanna Wilson, Joanna.wilson@delaware.gov.

DNREC Seeks Volunteers for Delaware Coastal Cleanup Sept. 11

The Wallace family of Kent County collecting litter and trash at Slaughter Beach during the 2020 Delaware Coastal Cleanup

Volunteers Also Invited to Clean up Close to Home in September

Volunteers for the 34th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup will have two options this year to help keep the state’s beaches and waterways free of trash through a widespread effort that also touches Delaware’s natural areas and neighborhoods. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is hosting the traditional one-day coordinated event at 39 sites statewide on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. In addition, a month-long campaign starting Sept. 1 will encourage Delawareans and visitors to clean up neighborhoods, green spaces and waterways throughout the state on days, times and at locations of their choice.

Delawareans and visitors alike are encouraged make a special effort to keep communities and natural areas in the First State clean through personal commitment and in support of Governor John Carney’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative. “In order to keep our state beautiful, we must keep our coastlines and outdoor spaces clear of litter. That’s why we started our Keep DE Litter Free initiative,” Governor Carney said. “Thanks to DNREC and our other state and local partners who work to protect our unique natural heritage every year with this Coastal Cleanup. I encourage all Delawareans to participate.”

“We look forward to giving volunteers a choice of options this year to participate in the Delaware Coastal Cleanup,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Whether volunteers sign up for the traditional Saturday morning cleanup at specific beaches and coastal areas or choose their own time, date and place to clean up close to home, the Delaware Coastal Cleanup’s message remains the same: We can all make a difference keeping our beaches, waterways and wetlands clean and free of trash.”

For the Sept. 11 coordinated cleanup, volunteers must preregister by Tuesday, Aug. 31 for their choice of sites at the mobile-friendly Coastal Cleanup online hub. Limitations on the number of volunteers are in effect at all sites and no walkups will be accepted on the day of the cleanup. Site captains with supplies will be onsite to sign in volunteers and provide trash bags and directions. Although gloves, paper data cards and pencils will be available on request, volunteers are strongly encouraged to bring their own gloves and to use the online Coastal Cleanup reporting tool when it goes live Sept. 1 to share their findings.

Participants can find ideas about how to get involved in the 2021 Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Facebook and Twitter. Volunteers in both the coordinated event on Sept. 11 and the month-long campaign can post photos on facebook.com/DelawareDNREC for a chance to win a 2022 Delaware State Parks pass and a prize bag. Volunteers can post photos as often as they like throughout the month, with each photo counting as a one entry. All volunteers should also report their findings and are invited to share photos on the Coastal Cleanup online hub at de.gov/coastalcleanup2021. Results will be updated during the month in real time on an interactive map.

Be proactive by picking up trash near your home to keep your neighborhood clean.
Follow a carry-in/carry out plan and take all trash with you when visiting outdoor spaces, like Delaware State Parks, DNREC wildlife areas, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve locations, and county or local parks.
Pack a bag and rubber gloves when you take a walk, go for a hike, go hunting or fishing, etc., to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.
Recycle applicable items through in-home recycling or designated drop-off locations. Learn more at de.gov/recycling.

DNREC reminds everyone to wear gloves when picking up trash, wash hands thoroughly after cleanup activities, and follow all recent public area protocols, including the most current COVID-19 guidance.

For more information, visit de.gov/coastalcleanup. Volunteers also can email questions about the cleanup to DNREC_Coastal_Cleanup@delaware.gov.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov, Joanna Wilson, Joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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Delaware Coastal Cleanup Starts Today

The Delaware Coastal Cleanup campaign, launched today by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, encourages Delawareans and visitors to pick up trash in their neighborhoods and nearby parks, on beaches and along waterways to help Keep DE Litter Free.

Throughout September, volunteers are asked to clean up debris, like cigarette butts, food wrappers, abandoned sports equipment, tires and more, that often end up in the ocean and waterways. They can document their findings and share photos in a new online volunteer survey, available now at de.gov/coastalcleanupsurvey.

“We’re lucky as Delawareans to live in such a beautiful state and we have an obligation to protect our unique natural resources for future generations,” said Governor John Carney. “Join us this month — and every month — in helping keep Delaware’s coastline free of litter. Thank you to all Delawareans and Delaware organizations that are doing their part to Keep DE Litter Free.”

Beginning today and all month long, find ideas about how to get involved in the 2020 Delaware Coastal Cleanup on Facebook and Twitter. Volunteers can post photos on facebook.com/DNREC for a chance to win a 2021 Delaware State Parks pass. Each photo post counts as an entry. Volunteers can post as often as they like throughout the month.

Volunteers can recruit family from their household or friends in their pandemic pod to join in a group cleanup, but large groups are discouraged.

“The hundreds of volunteers who usually participate in the Coastal Cleanup won’t be able to join us for a large in-person event, but they can still take action this month. Join our effort and help us reduce pollution that threatens aquatic life and human health,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin. “We can all help keep our beaches, waterways and wetlands clean and free of trash by cleaning up our own neighborhoods and nearby parks, beaches and other natural areas.”

Important reminders:

Wear gloves when picking up trash.
Wash hands thoroughly after cleanup activities.
Stay at least six feet from people from other households.
Wear face coverings when working in groups that include people outside your household, or when you are unable to social distance.
Avoid larger numbers of people by choosing early morning or evening, weekdays and cloudy days for cleanups.
Follow all local rules and regulations.

There are many ways to make a difference all year long:

Pick up trash near your home — streets, roadways, natural areas and open spaces — to keep your neighborhood clean.
Follow a carry-in/carry out plan and take all trash away with you after visiting outdoor public spaces, like Delaware State Parks, fishing and boating piers and ramps, wildlife areas, reserves, county or local parks.
Pack a disposable bag and rubber gloves when you take a walk or hike, go hunting or fishing, etc., to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.
Recycle what you can through in-home recycling or designated drop-off locations. Learn more at Delaware Recycles.

For more information, visit Delaware Coastal Cleanup or email DNREC_Coastal_Cleanup@delaware.gov.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, Joanna.wilson@delaware.gov, Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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DNREC Coastal Cleanup Encourages Residents and Visitors to Clean Up Trash Close to Home

This year, the 33rd annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup will transition from a one-day, in-person event to a month-long campaign to keep the state’s beaches and waterways free of trash, DNREC announced today.

“Following the lead of other states and guidance from the Ocean Conservancy, Delaware’s Coastal Cleanup Program will not include large organized group cleanups this year,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin. “Although we will not have the traditional gatherings at specific beaches and coastal areas statewide on the usual September Saturday, the Delaware Coastal Cleanup’s message remains the same — we can all make a difference to keep our beaches, waterways and wetlands clean and free of trash.”

In the spirit of the Coastal Cleanup, all Delawareans and visitors are encouraged make a special effort during the month of September to keep communities and natural areas in the First State clean through personal commitment and support of the Governor’s Keep DE Litter Free initiative. Volunteers will be able to report their findings all month long on the Delaware Coastal Cleanup app. Additional details, including how to download the updated app will be posted later this month on de.gov/coastalcleanup.

Cleaning up locally makes a big difference statewide and keeps trash from entering waterways and making its way to beaches. Last year, nearly 2,000 volunteers with the Delaware Coastal Cleanup collected 3.6 tons of trash and recyclables littering more than 125 miles of Delaware’s waterways and coastline.

DNREC suggests several ways to make a difference all year long:

Pick up trash near your home to keep your neighborhood clean.
Follow a carry-in/carry out plan and take all trash with you when visiting outdoor spaces, like Delaware State Parks, wildlife areas, reserves, county or local parks.
Pack a disposable bag and rubber gloves when you take a walk, go for a hike, go hunting or fishing, etc., to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.
Recycle applicable items through in-home recycling or designated drop-off locations. Learn more at Delaware Recycles.

DNREC reminds everyone to wear gloves when picking up trash, wash hands thoroughly after cleanup activities, be mindful of social distancing requirements, wear face coverings when near others, follow all public area protocols and be safe.

For more information, visit Delaware Coastal Cleanup or email DNREC_Coastal_Cleanup@delaware.gov.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov, Joanna Wilson, Joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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