COASTSWEEP

Information For Cleanup Coordinators

COASTSWEEP cleanup coordinators organize local cleanups with the support of the COASTSWEEP program. Cleanup coordinators identify the areas to be cleaned up, publicize the cleanup locally, receive the supplies, give cleanup instructions and distribute materials to cleanup volunteers, oversee the cleanup, arrange for proper trash disposal, and collect and return data cards.

The COASTSWEEP program provides all of the cleanup supplies, including:

  • Trash bags
  • Disposable gloves
  • Data cards and data summary sheet
  • Site cleanup report
  • Safety precaution sheet
  • Waiver/Sign-in sheet
  • Pencils
  • Self-Addressed stamped envelope (to return data cards, summary sheet, and cleanup report)
  • Cleaup posters (if ordered by cleanup coordinator)
  • Cleanup Coordinator thank you gift
  • Volunteers thank you gifts
  • Miscellaneous Ocean Conservancy documents (brochures, pamphlets...)

All material will be shipped by Federal Express to cleanup coordinators at least one week before the cleanup date.

We recommend that cleanup coordinator contact the manager of the site they are cleaning to make sure that he/she is aware of your efforts. The site manager may also be able to help with some logistics too, such as trash removal.

The information below gives all of the necessary details on how to conduct a successful COASTSWEEP cleanup.

Cleanup Coordinator Documents

Use the following documents to sign up to be a local coordinator, run the cleanup, and publicize the event.

Cleanup Coordinator Sign-up Form

Save paper! Please email this and all other completed Word forms to COASTSWEEP@umb.edu.

Sign-In Sheet/Waiver

Please have your volunteers read and sign this form. (You will receive a copy in the mail with your supplies.)

Safety Precautions

To ensure a safe cleanup, please provide these safety precautions to all volunteers. (You will also receive a copy in the mail with your supplies.)

Cleanup Report

Please submit this report, which lists details such as the number of volunteers and bags of debris collected, as soon as possible after completion of your cleanup. Email to COASTSWEEP@umb.edu. (You will receive a copy in the mail with your supplies.)

Sample Press Release

Do you need helping recruiting volunteers, or are you looking for some media coverage for your event? Use this generic press release that can be customized and sent to your local papers, community television stations, and any relevant groups that send out newsletters. Please feel free to contact us if you need any help with your outreach efforts. If someone does a story on your event, we would like to know about it, so please send us a link.

2012 COASTSWEEP Poster

COASTSWEEP will provide cleanup posters that you can download and customize with your cleanup information. Two sizes will be provided—8½"x11" and 11"x17". For those of you who want to use the poster but do not have access to a printer, just let us know, and we'll ship some to you with your supplies.

Other Resources

Below are links to some additional resources to assist with your clean efforts.

  • Pocket Guide to Marine Debris (PDF, 1.6 MB) - This Ocean Conservancy publication provides the basic background information about marine debris that you need to participate in a beach cleanup.
  • Marine Debris Information - This page provides information and additional resources on marine debris.
  • Recycling Information - This page provides details and tips to incorporate recycling into your cleanup, including information about fishing gear.