Delaware Sweeps Target Land-based Litter

Marine debris may seem the most visible at the Jersey Shore, but it is crucial to remember that marine debris often starts out as inland litter that is carried to our waterways through stormwater runoff.
COA’s Delaware Sweeps initiative brings the Beach Sweeps model to locations in need along the Delaware River to address these land-based sources of litter. Since 2017, COA has worked with partners along the tidal portions of the Delaware River to collect, count, and categorize debris.

Over 96% of debris removed from Red Bank Battlefield Park was plastic, which includes everything from plastic bottles to tiny pieces of foam.

The latest Delaware Sweep was held on April 15th at Red Bank Battlefield Park in Gloucester County, in partnership with local West Deptford resident and environmental educator Teresa Brown, as well as the Gloucester County Parks Department. In the first three hours, a small group of motivated volunteers collected 1,080 pieces of debris, over 96% of which was plastic and over 35% was foam pieces. To get involved in the Delaware Sweeps, follow COA on Facebook to find out about upcoming cleanup events or register for the Beach Sweeps at a location along the Delaware River. Palmyra Cove Nature Park in Burlington County has been a Beach Sweeps site for several Sweeps, and as the locations along the Delaware reach a baseline level of litter, they will be added to the ever-growing list of semi-annual Beach Sweeps locations.