162,000 pounds of trash removed from our beaches so far – Washington’s beaches need help at the International Coastal Cleanup, Sept. 19

OLYMPIA – Washington’s beaches have already seen more than 162,000 pounds of marine and firework debris removed this year, but there’s still plenty of work to be done.  

On Sept. 19, volunteers across the state can join Washington State Parks and Washington CoastSavers for the annual International Coastal Cleanup. 

The International Coastal Cleanup, held each year on the third Saturday of September, brings together volunteers around the world to remove trash and marine debris from shorelines and help protect coastal ecosystems.  

In collaboration with Washington CoastSavers, State Parks hosts three beach cleanup events each year, and volunteers are vital to keeping Washington’s beaches clean. This year, 631 volunteers removed 9,956 pounds of debris during the Washington Coast Cleanup, and nearly 1,000 volunteers picked up 153,000 pounds of fireworks debris and trash during the July 5 Beach Cleanup. Together, those efforts have removed 162,956 pounds of debris in 2026 so far – that is just 487 pounds short of the 163,443 pounds collected during all three cleanups of 2025. 

Since 2022, the amount of debris removed during these annual events has increased by 174 percent, highlighting both the growing impact of these cleanups and the continued need for volunteers.  

While cleanup events will take place at multiple sites along the Pacific Coast and Salish Sea, State Parks will host cleanups at seven of its parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Ocean City, Pacific Beach and Twin Harbors. 

On arrival, volunteers should check in at one of these locations: 

• Cape Disappointment check-in:

  • Bolstad OBA, Bolstad W, Long Beach, WA 98631

  • Sid Synder Dr, Long Beach, WA 98631 

• Fort Flagler check-in:

  • The Resort at Port Ludlow, 1 Heron Rd, Port Ludlow, WA 98365 

• Fort Worden check-in:

  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center, 502 Harbor Defense Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368 

• Grayland Beach/Twin Harbors check-in:

  • Bonge Ave OBA, W Bonge Ave, Grayland, WA 98595 

• Ocean City/Pacific Beach check-in:

  • Chance a la Mer OBA, W Chance a la Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

  • Ocean City OBA, 37 Second Ave, Ocean City, WA 98569 

Volunteers should dress for variable weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear and pack a lunch with plenty of water. Supplies for debris collection will be provided at check-in, though reusable gloves are encouraged. Check-in stations also serve as dumpster locations for collected debris. 

Community organizations and partners supporting this effort include the City of Long Beach, Grassroots Garbage Gang, Lions Clubs International, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Olympic Peninsula Chief Petty Officer Association of the US Coast Guard, Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Surfrider Foundation Grays Harbor Chapter, Surfrider Foundation Olympia Chapter, Washington State Department of Ecology, providing registration sites, volunteer support and dumpsters. 

For more information, a full list of participating beaches and to pre-register, visit www.coastsavers.org. Please note that a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state-managed lands on Sept. 19.