International Coastal Cleanup

What is it?

On Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 9am to noon, you can have a first-hand look at what types of trash are littering your community, and how much of it is ending up in Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and local streams. You will also have a chance to do something about it by joining people from around the world in the Annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) — the oldest and largest volunteer shoreline cleanup of its kind.

Volunteers will be collecting tons of trash and will record what is found…how many plastic bottles, straws and plastic shopping bags, etc. Cleanup partners will use the information to find out what work we need to do together to eliminate trash on our shoreline and streams

How can I help?

We are always looking for site coordinators and volunteers at several sites across Erie County to coordinate cleanups and collect data. Registration is available below for a site, however it is not necessary in order to participate in the cleanup.

Download the Clean Swell App to immediately join a global movement to keep beaches, waterways, and the ocean trash free. Head out to your favorite Lake Erie beach (or any beach location in the world!) and use the app to easily record each item of trash you collect. Then share your effort with family and friends!

Volunteer Registration Form

Results from previous years

Erie County – People Places Pounds

In 2023, over 1,000 volunteers in Erie County focused on 22 sites along the Lake Erie shoreline and watershed. Over 3,700 pounds of trash was collected, categorized, and removed from over 36 miles throughout Erie County. Six Erie County schools participated in the cleanup, as well as numerous businesses and organizations in the area. A whopping 483 bags of trash was collected County Wide!

International Data

In 2023, an astounding 469,482 volunteers globally contributed to the #SeatheChange. 15,508 miles were covered with 8,158,402 pounds of trash being removed from the waterways and shorelines. 15,519,392 items were collected in total. The top ten items collected globally were:

1. Cigarette Butts
1,860,651

2. Beverage Bottles (plastic)
1,175,045

3. Food Wrappers
998,661

4. Bottle Caps (plastic)
844,375

5. Grocery Bags (plastic)
622,780

6. Other Bags (plastic)
567,763

7. Food Containers (foam)
425,637

8. Food Containers (plastic)
425,637

9. Cups and Plates (paper)
423,551

10. Straws and Stirrers (plastic)
406,557

For more information, reports, and statistics, visit the Ocean Conservancy website.

Contact ICC

Thank you!

Thanks to all the volunteers who have participated in the Pennsylvania Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup. Please share comments and photos of your ICC experience.