Where safe, small cleanups can happen, volunteers like you are tracking their impact, collecting important data on the amount and types of trash collected and submitting it all through Ocean Conservancy’s app, Clean Swell. Explore the map to see where small cleanups are contributing to a global movement, whether at the beach or not!

Ocean Conservancy is looking forward to safely celebrating the 2020 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) with YOU—a global community of ocean advocates! During the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we all must focus on staying safe and healthy. This year we are together apart, for our communities and for our ocean. We are asking ocean lovers everywhere to #CleanOn:

• In your community: If you can, do an individual or small-scale, socially distant cleanup in your neighborhood.
• At home: Learn how you can reduce waste and ask leaders to make a clean, healthy ocean a priority below.
• In the halls of power: Join the chorus of voices asking our leaders to make a clean, healthy ocean a priority with SOS 2.0 and the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act

On this page, you will find resources that allow you, your family, friends and community, opportunities to make an impact during the 2020 ICC season. From engaging in the spirit of the movement from home, or cleaning up your neighborhood or local waterway , the ocean – and the wildlife and communities that depend on it—thank you for your participation.

8 Steps to Safely Conduct a Solo or Small Cleanup

1. Pick a Location Identify a safe location to clean where social distancing is easily achievable. Think ahead about where you will properly dispose of trash at the location you choose. Monitor your health and the health of your family members before considering a cleanup of any size.	2. Gather Materials Gather materials needed. This includes proper Personal Protective Equipment (masks and gloves), hand sanitizer, grabbers, trash bags, closed toed shoes and a reusable water bottle.
3. Download Clean Swell If you are able, please help us collect important data on the types and amount of trash you remove. Download the Clean Swell application on your phone or other smart device. Be sure to “Allow” location services while using the app.	4. Clean Up Safely collect trash using gloves, and take pictures to document your efforts. Never pick up any trash items that you are not comfortable with.
5. Carefully Remove Gloves After you finish collecting items, carefully remove gloves and wash hands and arms with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.	6. Record Data Follow steps on the Clean Swell app to review and submit your data. Data automatically submit to Ocean Conservancy’s database when you see a “Thank You!” screen.
7. Properly Dispose of Waste Properly dispose of items collected. Do not place trash bags in overflowing bins. This may cause items to fly away and end up back in the water.	8. Sanitize Immediately and thoroughly sanitize any gear used during the cleanup including grabbers, gloves and buckets.

Find Out More

• Learn more about Ocean Conservancy’s cleanup data collection app, Clean Swell.
• For more information on planning a cleanup from start to finish, check out our Start a Cleanup page.

At its core, the International Coastal Cleanup is about people: the incredible community of people like you, who care about our ocean’s health and strive to keep it free of plastic pollution and trash. If participating in a cleanup activity is not an option for you this year, there are other ways to take action! Here’s how you can take part, from anywhere:

• Learn: The best way to prevent marine debris is to learn about it and share your knowledge with others! Become an expert with our education guide: Talking Trash & Taking Action.
• Advocate: join the chorus of voices asking our leaders to make a clean, healthy ocean a priority with SOS 2.0 and the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act
• Create: Have a clever upcycling craft or at-home project? Wondering what to do with all those clean yogurt cups? Host a “Trash Fashion Show” and challenge your household to create fun costumes from clean recyclables. Share your nifty upcycled project with the ICC online community by posting to social media with the tag #CleanOn.  Here’s some ideas to get you started:
  • Create hanging planters from plastic bottles
  • Make a basket out of plastic bags
  • Turn toilet paper rolls into lanterns
  • Make your own recycled paper
  • Turn bottles into beautiful planters