The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, will co-host the annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 21.
This year’s event will take place at six state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Ocean City, Pacific Beach and Twin Harbors.
In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, the commission sets up three beach cleanup events each year. So far, 145,719 pounds of marine and firework debris has been cleaned off Washington beaches in 2024—more than 12,000 pounds more than last year, with one more cleanup still to be held.
“If not collected, much of the garbage ends up in the ocean where birds, fish, and marine mammals get entangled or ingest this marine debris, and microplastics end up in the food chain,” says Parks’ Volunteer Program Specialist Paul Ruppert. “Part of the Washington State Parks mission and core values is to care for Washington’s most treasured lands and waters, and a commitment to stewardship that safeguards high-quality park assets to future generations.”
The commission and its partners are seeking volunteers to help with the fall cleanup. To learn more, view the list of participating beaches, or to sign your family up, visit CoastSavers.org. Volunteers can choose one of these Washington coast locations:
- Long Beach: Bolstad Ocean Beach Approach (OBA), Ocean Park OBA
- Central Coast: Ocean City OBA, Chance A La Mer OBA, Bonge Ave OBA
- Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca: Port Townsend Marine Science Center
Volunteers should dress for variable weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear and pack a lunch with plenty of water. Upon check-in, participants will receive supplies to help them pick up debris. However, volunteers are encouraged to bring reusable gloves. The check-in station also serves as the dumpster location for marine debris after collection. NOTE: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access on state-managed lands on clean-up day.
The clean-up will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on September 21.
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