International Coastal Cleanup

Join the International Coastal Cleanup, the biggest coastal volunteer cleanup effort in the world!

The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is the world’s largest volunteer effort for our ocean. People all over the world remove trash from the shores and document what they find, and Save The Bay is proud to be the Rhode Island State Coordinator for the effort, organizing dozens of cleanups throughout the state. In 2025, volunteers in the Ocean State collected 15,561 pounds of trash from Rhode Island shorelines. (See the full 2025 Rhode Island Report!) 

The Ocean Conservancy, the global organizer of the event, publishes the collected data in an annual report on marine debris that is used by policymakers around the world.

There are lots of ways to be a part of the International Coastal Cleanup:

JOIN A CLEANUP: ICC cleanups occur from September through November – Save The Bay cleanups are currently being scheduled! Click here for a searchable and sortable list of all Save The Bay cleanups. More will be posted in the coming weeks. You can also see The Ocean Conservancy’s map to find cleanups outside of RI.

USE THE CLEAN SWELL APP: The Clean Swell App is a great way for families and individuals to do their own mini-cleanups any time! The app tracks all you have accomplished and submits the data to be published in the Ocean Conservancy’s annual report on global marine debris. See our page on Individual and Family Cleanups for tips and information.

BE A CLEANUP LEADER! – Seeking motivated volunteers to train as leaders for Save The Bay cleanups! Volunteers must be welcoming, reliable, responsible and communicative. Open to ages 16+; ages 13+ may also participate if they train and lead alongside a parent or guardian. Learn more and apply! 

ORGANIZE YOUR OWN CLEANUP: Scout troops, neighborhood groups, watershed organizations, teachers and more can participate by organizing their own cleanups. It’s easy! If you represent a group that would like to join the ICC effort, learn how by reading our quick overview. Save The Bay can support with training and supplies.

You can learn more—and sign up—at volunteer.savebay.org/international-coastal-cleanup.