ACC August Blog 1 Coastal CleanupHere’s your chance to make a big impact on the health of Alabama’s Coastal Connection. Grab your plastic gloves and trash bags and join the Alabama Coastal Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 17 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Now in its 29th year, more than 83,000 volunteers have removed approximately 1.5 million pounds of trash from Alabama’s coast and waterways. In Baldwin County, there are 18 cleanup zones that stretch from Ono Island to Josephine to Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. In Mobile County, there are 11 cleanup zones.

Alabama joined the International Coastal Cleanup in 1987, one year after the International Coastal Cleanup was established.  Cigarette butts, plastic beverage bottles and food wrappers are the top three items collected each year although 39 toilets and toilet seats and 28 refrigerators have also been recovered.

Supplies for the Alabama Coastal Cleanup are limited and organizers suggest bringing your own sunscreen, water, hat, gloves, shoes and a lot of water. Children should be supervised at all times and volunteers should avoid sand dunes. Do not attempt to move heavy or dangerous objects by yourself. Mark the spot and report your find to the zone captain for removal.

Each cleanup zone has a contact person or you can call 251-929-9792 for more information about the Alabama Coastal Cleanup.