Ocean Conservancy's 2025 International Coastal Cleanup - Anacostia Park DC

Scientists estimate that 11 million metric tons of plastic enters our ocean every year on top of the estimated 200 million metric tons that currently circulate through our marine environments. These plastics not only threaten marine life­, but can also impact us. We depend on the ocean for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Making a difference for our ocean is easy. Over the last 40 years, the International Coastal Cleanup has brought together nearly 19 million volunteers from 150+ countries to be part of the world’s largest volunteer effort to protect the ocean. Volunteers have collected over 400 million pounds of trash along our coastlines and waterways! Will you join us this year?

Ocean Conservancy’s 2025 DC International Coastal Cleanup event is on Saturday, September 27th from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Join us at Anacostia Park along the Anacostia River to remove debris before it reaches the ocean. Breakfast snacks, lunch and all supplies will be provided, including sun screen and bug spray. **Just make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and bring a reusable water bottle!**

Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and reusable water bottle(while supplies last).

Don’t forget the Data! The information collected about the trash removed incredibly valuable for finding long term solutions for trash free seas. Be a part of the solution: download our app before the cleanup to keep track of the trash you collect!

Register for this free event with Eventbrite. If you are able to sign the event waiver ahead of time, please scan the QR code below or follow this to digitally sign it.

Getting There

The will be in between the Anacostia Park Boat Ramp and the Aquatic Resources Education Center. The Anacostia Drive SE Parking Lot will be available to volunteers who will drive or carpool (more details below). We will also be offering a free shuttle from the to Anacoastia Park from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm.

Metro directions

You can take the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. When you exit the train, follow the exit signs to 14th & Potomac. Once at street level, volunteers and Ocean Conservancy signs will guide you to the shuttle. Shuttle will be operating from 8:30am - 1:00pm. You can check the best route for you using .

Parking

Ample parking should be available but is first come, first served at the, find a map below. Registration will be on the other side of the Roller Skating Pavilion. After parking, look for the Ocean Conservancy signs pointing towards the registration tent. Staff members will then direct you to the breakfast tent to fuel up with some light breakfast, coffee and fruit before the cleanup. Parking will be free for any ICC volunteer.

Weather

We will keep all registrants notified of the event's status via email in the event of inclement weather. If it rains, we'll likely proceed, unless there is a chance of thunder and/or lightening. Make sure to check your email in the days leading up to the event for updates from us.

*Banner photo by Denis Largeron + Ocean Conservancy*

Host or Publisher Ocean Conservancy