What is Beach Sweeps?
What started in 1985 with 75 volunteers has become a movement. Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps have mobilized 176,000+ people to protect New Jersey’s coast, removing 8.7 million pieces of debris. Every cleanup benefits marine life, coastal communities, and policies that stop pollution at the source!
How Can I Help?
Volunteers of all ages can participate! Registration is required and will open on Valentine's Day.
How to participate:
Review the list of 80+ Beach Sweeps sites across New Jersey.
Select a site and register online. The link will open on February 14.
Join the movement on April 11, 2026 from 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Have additional questions? Review our page of FAQs for quick answers, or reach out to BeachSweeps@CleanOceanAction.org
How Can My Organization Sponsor?
Check out our 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities to support one of the largest and longest‑running cleanups on the East Coast! Your sponsorship fuels volunteer power, strengthens data collection, and drives change for a clean shore.
How Do I Lead?
Become a Beach Captain (ages 18+) or a Junior Beach Captain (ages 15 - 18)! The Beach Captain program gives you the chance to lead volunteers, organize cleanup efforts, and collect data that directly supports statewide action against ocean pollution.
What Do I Need?
Gloves, close-toed shoes, and appropriate clothes for the weather
A bucket if you have one
Other supplies will be provided by your site's Beach Captain
Please refer to our FAQs for additional info
Why Does It Matter?
Clean Ocean Action’s Beach Sweeps have grown from a small 1985 cleanup into one of the world’s longest‑running coastal stewardship efforts, mobilizing thousands of volunteers to remove millions of pieces of debris from New Jersey’s shores. Beyond cleaning beaches, every Sweep generates data on marine litter, strengthening policies that reduce pollution and protect wildlife at the local, state, and federal levels. Explore the impact of past Sweeps in COA’s Annual Beach Sweeps Reports.
Who Can I Contact?
Email Meg Sulzberg at BeachSweeps@CleanOceanAction.org or call (732) 872-0111 with any questions.
