Coastal Cleanup moved to Nov. 18 after Nate! See the revised news release here: https://extension.msstate.edu/news/2017/coastal-cleanup-moved-nov-18-after-nate

BILOXI, Miss. -- Volunteers can help tidy Mississippi’s beaches and other coastal areas during the 2017 Mississippi Coastal Cleanup on Oct. 21.

The 29th annual event begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. at more than 40 sites in Jackson, Harrison and Hancock counties. Participants will help remove plastic bottles, food wrappers, cigarette butts and other trash.

Organized by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and the Mississippi Marine Debris Task Force, this event has helped remove millions of pounds of trash from the state’s beaches, waterways and barrier islands since 1988. Last year alone, volunteers removed 14 tons of litter from about 200 miles of coastal area.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Adults must accompany minor children. Organizers recommend participants wear hats and closed-toe shoes and bring water, sunscreen, gloves and insect repellant. Lunch will be provided to those with proper identification.

Registration can be completed online at http://coastalcleanup.extension.msstate.edu/. Participants should choose the county and cleanup site where they will volunteer.

Supporters can also help year-round by donating funds to the program’s educational efforts and participating in related initiatives, including research and other cleanup events.

TerraCycle joined local businesses, organizations and individuals that support the yearly cleanup event. The company specializes in hard-to-recycle plastics, such as beach toys, water bottles and disposable plates and utensils. They will recycle a large portion of the plastic debris this year.

For more information, contact Eric Sparks at 228-546-1025 or eric.sparks@msstate.edu.