Kingwood|Local Event
9th Annual Delaware River Cleanup
Event Details
The Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP) is excited to announce our annual collaborative Delaware River cleanup on September 19, 2026. In partnership with the NJ Clean Communities programs in Hunterdon, Mercer, and Sussex counties, along with NJ Parks, volunteers will come together to tackle litter along the shores of our Wild and Scenic Delaware River, named Pennsylvania's River of the Year in 2025. This year's cleanup theme is "Where Legends Crossed, Keep It Clean," in honor of the nation's semiquincentennial.
After a busy summer of celebrating the nation's 250th, boating, tubing, and picnicking, the riverbanks are due for some TLC. Last year, nearly 250 dedicated volunteers turned out at locations up and down the Delaware River, hauling out everything from the usual plastic bottles and drink containers to a jet ski, a boat, oil tanks, car parts, a toilet bowl, carpets, furniture, and an iPhone.
This year's cleanup will cover sites stretching from the Delaware Water Gap, NJ, to Duck Island at the Abbott Marshlands in Hamilton. Volunteers can choose how they'd like to help:
●Shoreline cleanup locations — remove trash along the riverbanks at locations throughout the cleanup area
●On-water cleanup — join a boating cleanup between Upper Black Eddy, PA, and Kingwood, NJ
Individuals and groups of all ages are welcome.Whether you're a seasoned cleanup volunteer or joining for the first time, your contribution helps keep the Delaware River clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
“The Delaware River Cleanup has become necessary for the health of the river and a local community building event. Over the past 8 years, determined volunteers have removed tons of refuse along and in the waterway. We only protect what we care about. Whether you care about the aquatic animals or avian population, the water quality, or simply keeping your local community clean, your participation makes a big difference. Each of our individual efforts can multiply into a huge impact towards protecting our beautiful Delaware River”, explained Brian Koons, DRGP board member and operator of Delaware River Pedal & Paddle.
The Delaware River Cleanup is held annually in conjunction with Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup Day and National Cleanup Day, both celebrated on the third Saturday in September.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED:
Please register at https://tinyurl.com/DelRiverCleanup2026. To register, click on a site, and additional information about each site will be provided along with the required waiver form. Children are welcome and encouraged to participate! Participants under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, with at least one adult per three children.
Registered volunteers should bring insect repellent and water. Comfortable clothing, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Participants will be provided with trash bags, grabbers, and gloves. A complimentary cleanup tee shirt will be provided!
If you see someone dumping or involved in illegal activities at any State Park, call the NJDEP at 1-877-927-6337 (1-877-WARN DEP).
About DRGP
The Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP) seeks to promote cross-river connections and communication to preserve and enhance the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the lower Delaware River in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.DRGP supports the Delaware River Scenic Byway, the Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic River, the Delaware River Water Trail, and the Delaware River Heritage Trail.