Coastal Cleanup preps for annual effort

The International Coastal Cleanup asks residents to make a difference by volunteering. A few hours spent collecting trash helps preserve our pristine beaches.

In 2016, nearly 2,900 locals joined the Coastal Cleanup. Working with area municipalities, Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department staff collected 7,194 pounds of garbage from a dozen sites countywide. That’s an estimated 82,000 pieces of trash.

Volunteers will have a chance to top that when the worldwide cleanup returns on Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon.

According to Ocean Conservancy statistics, the top three offenders are cigarette butts, plastic bottles and bottle caps. Food wrappers and plastic bags follow.

On the eastside, volunteers may join the effort at these locations:

Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson (formerly John U. Lloyd State Park): When arriving at the gate, tell park personnel you are participating in the Coastal Cleanup. Sign in at the Marina Pavilion.

Dania Beach: Volunteers can pick up a parking pass at the Frank C. Adler Park pavilion.

Hollywood Beach North: Cleanup at North Beach Park at the end of Sheridan Street.

Hollywood Beach Central: Volunteers can park in the garage at the south end of the Oceanwalk Mall.

Hallandale Beach: Sign in at South City Beach Park, 1870 S. Ocean Drive.

For information, visit Broward.org and search ‘Coastal Cleanup.’

Working with area municipalities, Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department staff collected 7,194 pounds of garbage from a dozen sites countywide last year.