Clean Ocean Action invites people to “spring into action” Saturday, April 12, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and join thousands of volunteers gathering at more than 80 beach and waterway locations across New Jersey to remove harmful litter, collect crucial data, and make a lasting impact on the coastal environment.
The nonprofit ocean advocacy organization welcomes all to the cleanup event to help marine life and those that enjoy a clean ocean and clean beaches.
Registration is required for all participants and can be completed through COA’s website. Groups are welcome, with all individuals within a group registering separately.
This year, in celebration of 40 years of Beach Sweeps, Clean Ocean Action is launching “BucketMan”—a new environmental superhero on a mission to fight marine debris and inspire volunteers to adopt sustainable habits.
BucketMan champions the movement to reduce waste by encouraging participants to bring their own reusable buckets instead of using disposable plastic bags to rid beaches and the ocean of trash and debris
Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing threats to marine ecosystems. Each year, Beach Sweeps volunteers remove thousands of plastic items including bags, which break down into harmful microplastics, endangering marine life and contaminating waters. By bringing a bucket, volunteers can significantly cut down on single-use plastic waste while making a positive impact.
Each Beach Sweeps event is more than just a cleanup—it’s an opportunity to protect marine life, improve coastal communities, and contribute to vital research on pollution. Volunteers help compile data on the types of debris collected, providing valuable insights that influence policies, waste management strategies, and public awareness.
“For 40 years, Beach Sweeps has been a testament to the power of people working together for a cleaner, healthier ocean. Every bucket filled with litter is a step toward lasting change,” said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action.
The success of Beach Sweeps is made possible by the support of dedicated businesses and organizations that provide crucial funding and resources. COA extends deep appreciation to the 2025 Beach Sweeps Sponsors including statewide sponsors Bank of America, Wakefern Food Corp, .ShopRite, and Vantage Apparel. Fall Beach Sweeps countywide sponsors: include Kearny Bank Foundation, Bayshore Recycling Corporation Montecalvo & Bayshore Family of Companies, Target, Hackensack Meridian Health and Monmouth County Tourism in Monmouth County as well as many other both in Monmouth and other counties across the coast..
Be part of the solution and help make this 40th anniversary Beach Sweeps a historic even, Zipf urged. For registration, site locations, and answers to Beach Sweeps Frequently Asked Questions, visit: www.CleanOceanAction.org.
Results from 2024 Beach Sweeps will be released at the end of March.
Clean Ocean Action (COA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to improve and protect water quality in the marine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast. COA identifies sources of pollution and works to eliminate them through research, education, and citizen action, ensuring cleaner oceans for future generations.
