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DNREC's 29th annual Coastal Cleanup collects 6 tons of trash

More than 23,000 pieces of food and beverage trash were scooped up along Delaware’s waterways and coastline during a September coastal cleanup.

 

Hundreds of statewide volunteers also picked up over 13,000 cigarettes and cigarette butts — about 7,000 less than last year.

 

Volunteers found some unusual items including a Walkman, a couple of pornographic DVDs and vampire teeth.

Delaware Coastal Cleanup Coordinator Joanna Wilson said the coastal cleanup benefits marine life and water quality.

 

"We always need to work harder to raise public awareness to keep trash where it belongs," Wilson said.

 

Wilson added volunteers picked up six tons of trash this year. Last year, almost eight tons were found.

 

The state's coastal cleanup is in its third decade and is part of the Ocean Conservancy’s flagship International Coastal Cleanup program that collects data on marine debris. The program documents types and numbers of trash to identify their sources and develop plans to reduce waste along the coast.