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River cleanup

2026 Cleanup Crawl

A series of cleanups that follow the Delaware River, raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution.

October 17 - 18, 2026

The Delaware River is the Largest Source of Ocean Plastic Pollution in North America

A 2021 peer-reviewed study showed that when compared to all other waterways in North America, the Delaware River is the single leading source of microplastic pollution. The study identified the top 1,000 rivers worldwide, and discovered that these rivers are the source of 80% of ocean plastic globally. 

In response to the study, the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Surfrider Foundation are hosting a series of cleanups along the length of the Delaware over the course of one weekend. We seek to raise awareness about how ocean plastic doesn't just come from coastal areas. Plastic pollution often travels hundreds of miles before entering the ocean.

Last year, during our first DE River Watershed Cleanup Crawl, we hosted 3 cleanups and collected over 900 lbs. of debris.

For the second year, over the weekend of October 17 & 18, we will hold cleanups that follow the Delaware River to the ocean. Together with a host of partners, the cleanups will be in:

Saturday Morning

Plastic-Initiative-Thumb
Saturday 10/17/2026

Petty's Island, NJ

We're partnering with NJ Natural Lands Trust for a nature walk and cleanup on Petty's Island. The island is located in the middle of the Delaware River, between Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ.

REGISTER HERE

Sunday Morning

plastic-pollution-initiative-bottles
Sunday 10/18/2026 at 8:30am

Middletown, DE

Sunday starts with a cleanup at Augustine State Wildlife Management Area

Registration Here

Sunday Afternoon

MW-227_Plastic
Sunday 10/18/2026

Dewey Beach, DE

We'll wrap up the Cleanup Crawl in Dewey. After our beach cleanup, Dewey Beer Company will host a "Dine and Donate" event!

REGISTER HERE

Plastic pollution often travels hundreds of miles before entering the ocean.