JET's behind-the-scenes volunteers and staff who made its flagship clean-up at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track possible in 2024.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Thousands of volunteers across Jamaica are gearing up to take part in International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICC) 2025 this Saturday, September 20, as the world celebrates the 40th anniversary of the global cleanup movement coordinated by Ocean Conservancy.
Since 1985, Ocean Conservancy has spearheaded ICC efforts worldwide, using the data collected to shape scientific research and influence policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics.
This year, more than 142 registered groups are preparing to lead over 200 beach cleanups across all 14 parishes under the theme “Sea the Change”. The initiative is coordinated locally by Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), with support from partners including the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Scotiabank Jamaica, Cemex Jamaica Limited, Pac Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), BD Gregg and Bros, General Accident, Versachem Limited, International Ingredients, BRK Limited, HJB (Jamaica) Limited, Courick Investments Limited, Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, and The Rotary Club of Liguanea Plains.
“ICC Day is the largest volunteer event for the ocean, and Jamaica continues to play a big part in it,” said Justin Saunders, JET’s programme director. “Every piece of trash collected matters, and the data we gather helps drive solutions—locally and globally.”
“This 40th anniversary of ICC is a reminder that while we’ve made incredible progress, the plastic crisis is far from over,” said Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, JET’s chief executive officer. “We look forward to the day when beach cleanups aren’t needed, but until then, we remain committed to protecting Jamaica’s coasts and oceans.”
JET will host its flagship cleanup at the Palisadoes Go Kart Track in Kingston, where more than 700 volunteers have already registered and estimates over 6,000 volunteers will join cleanups islandwide.
As in previous years, participants will record data on the types of trash collected, which will be submitted to Ocean Conservancy to support global research and policy on plastic pollution. JET also hopes the results may offer early insights into the impact of Jamaica’s fourth phase of the plastic ban, though they note it is still too soon for firm conclusions.
Saunders also expressed appreciation to the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and Recycling Partners of Jamaica (RPJ) for assisting with the collection and removal of waste from cleanup sites across the island.
For a full list of ICC cleanup locations, visit JET’s website or social media pages. The organisation is encouraging Jamaicans of all ages to take part in their local cleanups and help make the nation’s beaches and waterways cleaner, healthier and safer.