IOP Cleanup Crew Welcomes Volunteers for Litter Sweeps

Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew kicked off their series of 2024 spring litter sweeps on March 11, working in partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation team. Around 90 volunteers attended the Monday evening event at Front Beach. 

Each spring litter sweep includes a welcome session geared to students, groups, businesses, families and other newcomers. The series continues every other Monday evening on these dates: March 25, April 8 and 22, May 6 and 20. (The April 22 litter sweep coincides with Earth Day 2024, which is themed “Planet vs. Plastics.”)

The optional welcome session for each spring litter sweep runs from 5:30-6 p.m. with the litter sweep continuing from 6-7 p.m. Meet by the city restroom building and Coconut Joe’s in the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard.

As the weather heats up with more visitors and litter, IOP Cleanup Crew’s will switch to a summer schedule with litter sweeps every week on Monday nights and Wednesday mornings.

IOP Cleanup Crew uses volunteer power to keep the coast clean, protect natural ecosystems and public health, document litter data, and help solve the pollution crisis. 

Since 2018, thousands of volunteers have joined the crew to collect more than 175,000 litter items, while documenting the data in the South Carolina Aquarium’s Litter Journal. The City of Isle of Palms and local businesses also support the “citizen scientists” of IOP Cleanup Crew.

IOP Cleanup Crew 2024 Litter Sweep Details 

Everyone is welcome!

  • Every other Monday in spring, continuing March 25, April 8 and 22, May 6 and 20. Welcome session, 5:30-6 p.m. Litter sweep, 6-7 p.m.
  • Summer schedule - two times a week: 6-7 p.m. each Monday, June 3 through Labor Day, and 7-8 a.m. Wednesday Breakfast Club from May 29 to Aug. 28.
  • No registration required.
  • Meet and sign in at the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard beach access by the city restroom building, with the IOP postcard mural, and Coconut Joe’s.
  • Supplies provided.
  • Get a magnet for free parking in city lots during future sweeps.
  • Clean for at least 30 minutes.
  • Enjoy a discount at a participating IOP restaurant after volunteering.
  • Great way for students to get volunteer hours. 
  • Volunteer twice for a T-shirt made with recycled plastic and other sustainable materials.
  • Questions, or plans to bring a group of more than 15? Contact Cofounder Susan Hill Smith:susanhillsmith@gmail.com
  • Follow Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew and check for weather updates at facebook.com/IOPCleanup
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