International Coastal Cleanup

The International Coastal Cleanup was catalyzed by the passion and spirit of two committed individuals working at The Ocean Conservancy, Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara. The two women were astounded by not only the amount of litter in Washington, D.C., but also the amount of litter that had found its way into our oceans. Maraniss and O’Hara contacted local government agencies and businesses to organize what would be the first International Coastal Cleanup. Since its creation in 1986, over 18 MILLION volunteers in over 150 countries have collected over 380 MILLION pounds of trash.

Keep Erie County Beautiful is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the beauty, health, and sustainability of Erie County, Pennsylvania. Through educational programs, volunteer events, and collaborative partnerships, the organization focuses on reducing litter, promoting recycling, and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviors among residents and businesses. Keep Erie County Beautiful actively participates in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) by providing essential materials and logistical support to help plan and organize cleanup events throughout the region. The organization helps mobilize volunteers, supply cleanup tools, and coordinate site efforts, all aimed at protecting Erie County’s waterways and natural habitats from litter and pollution.

Waste Management (WM) partners with Erie County during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) to collect all the trash gathered throughout the event, ensuring it is properly removed from cleanup sites. Additionally, Pro Waste Services supports the effort by providing dumpsters when needed and responsibly picking up and disposing of tires collected during the cleanup. These partnerships are crucial in helping Keep Erie County Beautiful efficiently manage waste and keep the community’s natural areas clean and safe.

The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) would not be possible without the support of our numerous other partners. Listed below are key organizations and businesses that contribute resources, volunteers, and expertise to help make this important event a success:

• PA Department of Environmental Protection
• National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
• Gannon University
• PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources
• Erie Insurance
• PA Coastal Resource Management Program
• Giant Eagle

Volunteering for the Erie County International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is simple and impactful. On cleanup day, head to your designated site where you’ll receive gloves, trash bags, and instructions. Don’t forget to sign in! Use either the paper data cards provided or the Clean Swell app to record the types of litter you collect. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring essentials like sunscreen and bug spray. Your efforts help keep Erie County’s waterways clean and contribute valuable data to marine debris research.

What are the hours of the event?
The event runs from 9am-noon on Saturday, September 20th, 2025. Feel free to drop in at any point, though!

What should I wear?
Wear close toed shoes, and long sleeves depending on your location.

What should I bring?
We recommend bringing bug spray, sunscreen, and water!

Where do I get supplies?
Every location will have a site coordinator who will have supplies.

Can my student/child get volunteer hours for this event?
Yes!

I am busy that Saturday. Can I organize a cleanup as part of ICC on a different day?
Absolutely. Reach out to aknight@eriecountypa.gov to set up a location and time for your cleanup. All supplies will be provided to you.

Is pre-registration required to participate in the cleanup?
Pre-registration is not required, but appreciated!

How do we dispose of litter collected during the cleanup?
Each site coordinator will direct volunteers on where to put their filled trash bags which will then be picked up and disposed of by Waste Management.

Will the cleanup be canceled if it rains?
No we will be cleaning our shorelines rain or shine!

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