Registration is now open for the 2025 International Coastal Cleanup, a global initiative to remove litter from beaches and waterways. The event, hosted locally by Keep Sarasota County Beautiful, will take place Saturday, September 20, beginning at 8 a.m.
For more than 30 years, the International Coastal Cleanup has united millions of volunteers around the world to protect shorelines. Since its inception, more than 16 million participants have collected an estimated 340 million pounds of trash, according to the Ocean Conservancy.
Sarasota County officials said the cleanup is more than just a one-day event. It is part of a worldwide citizen science effort that records and tracks marine debris to inform long-term conservation strategies. Traditionally, volunteers tallied their findings on paper, but this year the effort is going digital through the Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Swell App, which allows participants to log items collected in real time and track cleanup efforts year-round.
“International Coastal Cleanup is about action and awareness,” organizers said. “Volunteers not only help clear litter from our beaches but also contribute to global data that helps shape policies protecting our oceans.”
Local parks and beaches across Sarasota County will serve as cleanup sites, with groups of residents, families and community organizations encouraged to take part. Participants are also invited to organize their own cleanups using simple supplies and the Clean Swell App to support ongoing stewardship of Florida’s waterways.
The event is traditionally held the third Saturday in September and has become a staple in Florida’s coastal communities and state parks. Sarasota County officials said joining this year’s cleanup is an opportunity for residents to protect the environment while building traditions that benefit future generations.
Those interested can register online at loom.ly/Fa93aq0
