Clean Ocean Action Needs Volunteers for Jersey Shore Beach Cleanup

Clean Ocean Action is organizing its annual Fall Beach Sweeps across beaches in New Jersey, from Perth Amboy to Cape May, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

According to The Patch of Berkeley, New Jersey, the following locations will host this event:

This program will not only help clean beaches but also collect scientific data on debris found there.

According to NJ.com, volunteers will document various types of debris discovered, with the data contributing to reports used to inform local, state, and federal litter-reduction policies.

Last fall, the cleanup netted 94 disposable face masks and gloves; 1,346 plastic forks, knives, and spoons; 864 dental floss picks; 584 tampon applicators; and 933 e-cigarette cartridges, caps, and pens, according to Clean Ocean Action's website.

The group also found 544 Mylar balloons, 82 condoms, 836 pieces of cardboard, 119 newspapers and magazines, 190 shoes or sandals, and 137 shotgun shells.

 Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but children younger than 12 will need adult supervision. Registration is required and can be completed online. All volunteers should come prepared with gloves, a trash bucket, weather-appropriate clothing, and sturdy shoes to ensure safety during the cleanup.