International Coastal Cleanup Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Conservation Environment
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Third Saturday of September
Holiday emoji:: 🌊

International Coastal Cleanup Day mobilizes volunteers worldwide every third Saturday of September. Join millions in removing trash from beaches, rivers, and lakes to safeguard marine ecosystems and raise awareness about plastic pollution. Take action by organizing a cleanup, educating others, or supporting conservation efforts.

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe
Related

History of International Coastal Cleanup Day

The International Coastal Cleanup Day came into existence more than 30 years ago. It was founded by Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara, both of whom worked at the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental agency that specializes in formulating resolutions and policies at federal and governmental levels. In 1986, Maraniss was inspired by O’Hara’s work and dedication towards cleaning up the ocean. The latter’s paper, which was due to be published next year, focused on plastic pollution in the ocean. Maraniss discussed her interest with O’Hara about starting a day to bring attention to the oceans’ growing pollution problem. They approached several environmental groups and activists with the idea, and in no time, the duo had enough support to start an official cleanup. The idea was simple: Go to a local beach with a garbage bag and start picking up trash in order to reduce the amount that would be swept into the ocean by water or wind.

Cleaning up the beaches wasn’t the only aim of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. Another important goal was to document and study the type of trash collected during the cleanup. Documentation included studying the trash’s material, where it could have come from, how long it would take to disintegrate, and what impact it would have on the ocean and the species living in it. Once everything is identified and documented thoroughly, the governments are informed about the findings. In order to prevent further damage, lobbying efforts are started at national and international levels. Industries also face policies that would stop them from either producing such items or dumping them into the oceans. Ever since its inception, the day has seen over 6 million cleanup volunteers in over 90 countries.

International Coastal Cleanup Day timeline

1972

Ocean Conservancy Created

Ocean Conservancy is created as a nonprofit organization working to help American coastlines from pollution.

1986

First International Coastal Cleanup Day

Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara gather organizations and volunteers to organize the first International Coastal Cleanup Day.

2018

Almost Quarter Billion Trash Removed

One million volunteers from all over the world remove at least 23 million pounds of trash from beaches and coastlines.

2020s

The Ocean Decade

UNESCO announces the 2020s to be the official Ocean Decade in order to educate the world about the different ways they can take part in cleaning the oceans.

International Coastal Cleanup Day FAQs

When is International Coastal Cleanup Day?

International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 19, mobilizing millions globally to protect our precious marine environments.

How much plastic pollution is in the ocean?

According to the Ocean Conservancy, for every mile of ocean, there are an estimated 46,000 pieces of plastic debris floating within that distance. This staggering amount highlights the urgent need for cleanup efforts.

How many people participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day?

Since its inception, the International Coastal Cleanup has engaged over 17 million volunteers across 153 countries, collecting more than 350 million pounds of trash. In 2025 alone, hundreds of thousands participated in events worldwide.

What is the main goal of International Coastal Cleanup Day?

The primary goal of International Coastal Cleanup Day is to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of ocean pollution and to engage communities in actively removing trash from beaches, rivers, and underwater environments. It also collects data to inform policy.

How To Observe International Coastal Cleanup Day

Volunteer for a cleanup drive
This is the perfect day to go to your local beach and offer your time and services to clean it up. If no cleanup drives are happening around you, don’t worry. You can organize one yourself and get people to volunteer and help you with the cleanup.
Call out litterers
Keeping yourself and your environment neat and clean is one of the most basic hygiene practices we are taught as young children. Bring back the cleanliness lessons and implement them on yourself and those around you. Do not stand littering as eventually, it will come to harm you (and the litterers) in the long run one way or another.
Reduce your plastic usage
Plastic started as a boon for many as it is durable and can be used to store a variety of things. But it is these very qualities of plastic that have turned it from a boon to a curse. The plastic toothbrush or spoon that you used 10 years ago and discarded, is still out there somewhere. It hasn’t decomposed and won’t be so for the next several hundred years. The best way to reduce plastic pollution is to reduce your own usage of the product by opting for bio-friendly options.

5 Facts About Oceans That Will Blow Your Mind

The majority of life is aquatic
The majority of life on our planet — a solid 94%, is aquatic, needing water for their living conditions.
The majority of oceans are unexplored
Only about 5% of the oceans have been explored, with the rest of the 95% remaining untouched.
Oceans produce oxygen
The oceans produce around 70% of the oxygen in the world.
Land canyons have nothing on ocean canyons
The Zhemchug Canyon, located in the Bering Sea, is vertically over 8,500 feet, which is 2,500 deeper than the Grand Canyon in America.
Coral produces its own sunscreen
Coral in shallow water fluoresce, producing sunscreen, to protect the algae living in them as algae are a major sustenance source for coral.

Why We Love International Coastal Cleanup Day

It’s a reminder of cleanliness
Cleanliness is one of the major factors that can allow us to lead a healthy life. Science has been proving this hard fact for centuries. Thus, it is important to practice cleanliness in all areas of life for us to fully enjoy Mother Nature’s sources.
It’s a celebration of beautiful beaches and coastlines
Ask yourself the following question: Would you willingly take yourself and your loved ones for a day out at the beach even though it wasn’t clean? Most likely not because you will be afraid of the dangers a dirty environment would bring. Now let’s keep our selfish motives aside and focus on those creatures who would have no choice but to continue living amongst trash. Think about them and work to make your beaches clean, safe, and beautiful again.
It’s a reminder of responsible living
Every action has a reaction. What we do today will impact our tomorrow. Therefore, be careful about throwing away your trash. Choose environmentally friendly products. These minor changes in your life may seem inconsequential when looking at the big picture, but trust us, even if one of us decides to take the first step, it’s going to have a positive outcome sooner or later.