Common Beach Trash in Cape May County & Why Cleanups (and Change) Matter

Common Beach Trash in Cape May County & Why Cleanups (and Change) Matter

Cape May County’s beaches are world-class—wide stretches of sand, endless sky, and that classic boardwalk energy. But in between the beauty, there’s a problem hiding in plain sight: beach trash.

Every year, thousands of pounds of litter are collected from our local shorelines, most of it single-use plastic. It’s not just unsightly—it’s harmful to wildlife, damaging to ecosystems, and discouraging for visitors who expect pristine sand between their toes.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common beach litter in Cape May County—and how you can be part of the solution through our Plogging Club, VIP Program, and our ongoing mission to turn trash into real change.

What’s Littering Our Beaches?

During beach cleanups and daily observations, these items show up over and over:

  • Cigarette Butts – Toxic, plastic-filled, and easily overlooked.

  • Plastic Bottle Caps – Small but deadly to seabirds and marine life.

  • Straws and Cutlery – Among the top 10 items found on beaches worldwide.

  • Food Wrappers – Fast food’s fast track to the ocean.

  • Plastic Bags – Still floating in despite bans and better alternatives.

  • Fishing Gear – Line, hooks, and nets are hazardous and common.

  • Balloons – Often mistaken for food by turtles and birds.

Why Beach Cleanups Matter More Than Ever

Cape May’s beaches aren’t just for sunbathing. They’re part of a living ecosystem, and beach cleanups are one of the most direct ways we can help:

  • Protect wildlife from choking or entanglement.

  • Prevent ocean pollution at its source.

  • Raise community awareness through hands-on experience.

  • Support coastal tourism by keeping our beaches clean and welcoming.

  • Gather community science data to inspire smarter solutions.

Join the Movement: Our Plogging Club & VIP Program

We believe in turning action into impact—and in rewarding those who show up.

Join Our Plogging Club
Plogging means jogging (or walking) while picking up litter. It’s casual, community-focused, and open to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're a casual beachcomber or a data-loving environmentalist, your efforts help us map pollution patterns, gather vital information for community science, and directly protect marine life.

Do Good, Get Rewarded
Everyone who participates in our beach cleanups is automatically:

  • Entered to win a free zero-waste product

  • Given an exclusive discount to our sustainable shop

  • Helping inspire future products made from sustainable materials

  • Contributing to our “Trash to Art” installation, set to debut in 2026

Our VIPs don’t just clean—they help us innovate, educate, and lead.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Our mission is about more than just cleanups. When you get involved, you:

  • Inspire the next generation by modeling action and stewardship

  • Spread awareness with every piece of trash you collect

  • Fuel innovation—your data and feedback inform how we design better, more sustainable products

  • Give back to a coastline that gives us all so much

  • Help create a one-of-a-kind Trash Art Installation that turns waste into a message, a movement, and a lasting legacy

Sustainability Starts With Us

Beach cleanups are powerful—but they’re just the beginning. To make a bigger impact:

  • Replace disposables with reusables

  • Choose low-waste or package-free products

  • Support eco-conscious businesses

  • Talk to your community about why this matters

Every small shift adds up to meaningful change.

Final Word: Come For the Cleanup, Stay for the Community

Whether you’re a local, a vacationer, or someone just passing through, we invite you to join us, make an impact, and get rewarded.

This is about more than picking up trash—it’s about being part of a movement that reimagines how we live, shop, and care for the natural world.

Clean a beach. Inspire a product. Be a force for change.

To view upcoming events, join the Plogging Club, or learn more about our VIP Program, visit https://www.gooddeedsmarket.com/pages/upcoming-events.
Follow us on Instagram @GoodDeedsMarket for cleanup schedules, prize announcements, and updates on our 2026 Trash Art Installation.

Let’s make Cape May County cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable—together.

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