Registration for the annual Maine Coastal Cleanup, an annual volunteer-driven initiative to clean debris from Maine’s coastal shores and waterfront communities organized by the Maine Coastal Program, is open now through Aug. 21, 2026. The 2026 Maine Coastal Cleanup will take place Sept. 5-19.

Volunteer coordinators can register for a site on the 2026 Maine Coastal Cleanup form.

Once registration has been received, the chosen location will be removed from the available sites. If a site coordinator indicates on the registration form that they are seeking volunteers, their site and contact information will be listed on the 2026 Maine Coastal Cleanup webpage so interested volunteers can reach out to sign up.

The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which was established over 40 years ago to address the problem of ocean and coastal trash. The non-profit Ocean Conservancy, which coordinates the global initiative, maintains a database of all the items that volunteers around the world record when collecting trash.

“Every year, the Maine Coastal Cleanup provides a chance for people to join a global initiative aimed at improving the health of our oceans and to support Maine’s vital coastal communities,” said Theresa Torrent, Outreach and Stewardship Specialist for the Maine Coastal Program. “As the state coordinator for the International Coastal Cleanup for over 30 years, the Maine Coastal Program remains committed to supporting and facilitating efforts like this to keep our coastal beaches and waterways clean.”

Prior to the date of each cleanup, coordinators will be sent a package containing resources to collect and record trash. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, hats, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated.

For more information about the Maine Coastal Cleanup, contact theresa.torrent@maine.gov.