VolunteerCleanup.org

VolunteerCleanup.Org is a Miami-based grassroots 501(c)(3) organization mobilizing the community to protect our ocean and waterways from plastic pollution. We raise awareness through hands-on cleanup experiences that not only remove litter but also ignite lasting behavior change.

We are not just a beach cleanup organization — we are a community-building technology platform (think Eventbrite, but for cleanups). Our tools connect thousands of volunteers and organizers together, and we provide the supplies and educational resources to help our organizers lead fun, impactful and educational cleanups that ultimately empower individuals to take meaningful action against single-use plastics in their own lives and workplaces.

Together, our community has led over 4,000 cleanups, engaging 36,000 volunteers who have removed more than 800,000 pounds of debris from Miami’s shorelines and neighborhoods. But more importantly, our efforts have inspired countless lifestyle and policy changes that reduce waste at the source.

OUR PROGRAMS:

• VolunteerCleanup.Org platform - A free event management tool (like Eventbrite) that connects cleanup organizers and volunteers. We provide educational and material support to ensure every cleanup delivers both immediate environmental impact and long-term behavior changes for participants.
• Trashathon.org fundraising platform - Trashathon's are an innovative twist on the classic “a-thons” fundraisers, where participants solicit pledges for litter removal from neighborhoods or shorelines to raise money for their group or project (ie, water bottle refills, class trips, funding non-profits), while also spreading awareness of the marine debris crisis and solutions. Our fundraising platform helps groups by managing the pledges and donations.
• International Coastal Cleanup Day: As the Ocean Conservancy’s local partner, we coordinate Miami-Dade’s ICC each September. In 2025, we coordinated 70+ cleanups where 3,200 volunteers removed 26,000 pounds of debris in one day. Our program is the 3rd largest program in the United States.!. But the real impact goes beyond the cleanup. Post-event surveys show participants’ environmental knowledge jumped from 3.2 to 4.1, and 87% said they’re inspired to do more to protect our planet. These cleanups don’t just remove trash — they transform awareness, build community, and spark lasting change.
• Corporate & Group Days of Service: We design educational, fun, and high-impact cleanups that strengthen teams and inspire companies to reduce waste and rethink single-use plastics.
• Policy & Advocacy: We collaborate with local governments to improve waste infrastructure, stormwater maintenance, and plastic reduction policies — ensuring that prevention complements cleanups. Our activation and advocacy has made direct structural changes that are reducing the input going into our waterways.