4,000-plus volunteers remove almost 59,000 pounds of trash from island beaches

By THE STAR STAFF

More than 4,000 volunteers joined the 40th International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) organized on Sept. 20 by the Scuba Dogs Society (SDS) on more than 160 beaches and riverbanks in Puerto Rico, with the aim of combating single-use plastic pollution and preserving marine ecosystems.

The announced results represent 48% of the reported shorelines (79 out of 164), suggesting that the final figures will be even more significant once data from all participating areas is consolidated.

“Every pound collected and every piece of data recorded is a testament to the community’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable archipelago,” said Gabriel Pecunia, SDS program coordinator. “We are deeply grateful to the captains, volunteers, and collaborators who made this effort possible, demonstrating that together we can make a difference.”

SDS Executive Director María E. Ocasio Torres emphasized the value of collective action.

“This effort is not just a cleanup, it is an educational and transformative exercise that connects communities with the reality of coastal pollution,” she said. “Each captain and volunteer becomes a spokesperson for the importance of reducing disposable products, such as single-use plastics, and conserving our natural resources for present and future generations.”

This year’s event reaffirmed the ICC’s role as the largest environmental volunteer event in Puerto Rico, where families, students, community organizations and businesses came together with a common purpose: to preserve beaches, rivers, and natural areas. SDS expressed special thanks to the coastal captains, who led the coordination efforts in each area with dedication, and to the sponsors and partners whose support made this event a success.

During the cleanup, cigarette butts, pieces of plastic/foam, plastic beverage bottles, plastic bottle caps, metal bottle caps, glass beverage bottles, plastic straws, beverage cans, other trash (metal, paper, etc.), and plastic bags were among the most frequently found items. The data collected by the volunteers will contribute to Ocean Conservancy’s global database, used by scientists and policymakers to develop policies aimed at reducing plastic pollution worldwide.