A Surfrider Foundation program to tackle the ocean litter issue – primarily caused by plastic pollution – through education for action, community science, and campaigns. We are all part of the solution and together we can restore our coastlines, one beach at a time.
2024
97,562
Pounds of trash
and recycling removed
21,308
Volunteers
907
Cleanups
2024 US and Europe Totals
46,492
Volunteers
1,694
Cleanups
What purpose do beach cleanups serve?
THEY ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION
Surfrider Foundation supports volunteers to organize Beach cleanups completely autonomously, with a range of tools and an educational approach.
THEY GENERATE PUBLIC AWARENESS
Joining one of Surfrider’s beach cleanups, participants become aware of the impact of waste-related pollution, while actively reducing marine litter.
THEY AIM AT THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM
When volunteers inform Surfrider about the waste picked up during their cleanup, they are contributing to pollution research and helping to influence legislation.
Reasons to participate in a beach cleanup
TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
A beach cleanup is a practical action to protect the environment while enjoying some time with your family, friends or new acquaintances.
TO SPREAD
THE MESSAGE
Taking part in a beach cleanup helps to make people aware of marine litter issues, using the educational tools provided by Surfrider.
TO BE PART
OF THE SOLUTION
Beach cleanups allow Surfrider to influence laws and reduce waste at source, through volunteer participation and information gathered on waste.
Interested in joining a beach cleanup?
Visit volunteer.surfrider.org
Fill out the volunteer data card as you go to make inputting data into the tool more seamless! Also available in Spanish.
Find a Chapter or a Student Club near you.