Volunteers at Old Orchard Beach keep the shore sparkling on the fifth of July

Volunteers at Old Orchard Beach keep the shore sparkling on the fifth of July describes ongoing beach-cleanup efforts tied to the Surfrider Foundation in Maine. The nonprofit’s Maine chapter has held cleanups at Old Orchard Beach every July 5 for several years, branding the date “The Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year” after Independence Day. In 2025, about 1,500 volunteers nationwide collected a combined 50,000 pounds of trash; organizers said the event is part of broader efforts to address climate change and plastic pollution. This year, 25 people registered in advance, with additional beachgoers joining during the morning. The cleanup ran from 10 a.m. to noon, collecting 30 pounds in the first 20 minutes and totaling 86 pounds by the end. Surfrider Maine chapter chair Paula Slayton reported fewer items over the last two years despite increased participation, while volunteers said plastic remains central to the problem. Volunteers cataloged items for data used to support advocacy.