COASTAL CLEANUP Presented by Rotary Club of New Port Richey & Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Many things have changed due to COVID-19, unfortunately litter is still a problem that has increased due to the improper disposal of personal protection equipment. However, there are still people that want to help protect the environment during the uncertainty of these times - which is why we are still having the Coastal Cleanup. The annual International Coastal Cleanup presented by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey will be held throughout Pasco County on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

In previous years, there were large cleanups that were held throughout Pasco County. In 2019, there were 2,021 volunteers at 30 different locations. Some of these events will still take place with social distancing; however, this year the main focus will be on smaller cleanups. Volunteers are encouraged to find a public area in their community that needs to be cleaned and recruit a small number of volunteers to assist. Volunteers will be provided trash bags and disposable gloves. Face buffs will be given in place of t-shirts while supplies last. Even though we will be outside and social distancing please remember to bring your own face mask.

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This year, we are thrilled to partner with the Rotary District 6950 Foundation and local Rotary Clubs. The West Pasco Sunset Rotary Club was awarded a District Grant in the amount of $2,500 by the Rotary District 6950 Foundation to support their Coastal Cleanup 2020 project. District grants offer clubs and districts flexibility in carrying out activities supporting the Rotary International Foundation Mission. The Coastal Cleanup project also has the support of the Rotary Clubs of New Port Richey, Trinity and Dade City Sunrise.



The local cleanups, mobilized by Ocean Conservancy, are part of the largest worldwide volunteer effort on behalf of ocean health. The purpose is to clean up and track the trash collected. More than 8 million metric tons of plastic trash ends up in our oceans every year. Since 1986, the International Coastal Cleanup has captured more than 334 million pounds of trash with the efforts of over 16 million volunteers.

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Registration is closed for this event, but that doesn't mean you still can't pick up litter. You can always pick up litter in your community.