Why Trash Washes Up On Jersey Shore Beaches

MANASQUAN, NJ — Garbage, including medical needles, washed up on beaches in Belmar, Point Pleasant and Manasquan in late August. And today, Clean Ocean Action says this is why it's more important than ever to participate in their statewide beach clean-ups.

Clean Ocean Action will hold beach and park clean-ups at more than 80 locations across the state on Oct. 24. Find out which locations and sign up here: cleanoceanaction.org/be-the-solution-to-ocean-pollution

In the NY/NJ metro region, garbage, street filth, litter and sewer waste are flushing into our waterways during major rain events, creating garbage slicks which most often wash out to sea.

Carried by wind, currents, and tides, mats of garbage sometimes wash up onto the shore. This summer, several of these wash-ups occurred, including as recently as last week, and include mostly plastic litter, trash, and medical waste, most notably single-use syringes.

What causes trash to wash up on beaches?

Clean Ocean Action answers:

• Rainfall & Runoff: Torrential storms wash accumulated street litter into storm drains that empty directly into waterways.

• System Overflows: Heavy rain triggers Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), channeling raw sewage, materials discarded down drains, and improperly flushed items into stormwater pathways and onto beaches. This includes syringes and other medical waste that are sometimes flushed down toilets and that can ultimately reach local waterways and shorelines.
• Easterly flow: Persistent and frequent east winds bring these mats of garbage closer and on beaches.

What can you do to prevent this?

• Don’t ever flush plastics down the toilet. And, don’t litter...ever! Tell your family and friends!

• Report Incidents: Don’t touch sharps and medical waste! Contact your municipal Department of Public Works (DPW) or county health department immediately to report beach wash-ups. Also, contact the NJDEP hotline: 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).
• Secure Household Trash & Recycling: Properly contain and secure trash and recyclables to prevent materials from blowing, washing, or leaking into the environment.
• Reduce Single-Use Waste: Refuse unnecessary single-use items, especially plastics, and choose reusable alternatives whenever possible.

Needles Also Found On Beaches In Point Pleasant, Seaside Park (Aug. 25)