Ocean Wise Releases 2024 Shoreline Cleanup Impact Report, Highlighting 30 Years of Canada’s Most Commonly Found Litter

Over one million volunteers have cleaned thousands of kilometres of shoreline since the initiative’s launch in 1994

Vancouver, April 22, 2025 – Today, in celebration of Earth Day, Ocean Wise released the 2024 Shoreline Cleanup Impact Report, marking 30 years of the conservation initiative. The report highlights the most common litter found on Canada’s shorelines with the annual “Dirty Dozen” list—where cigarette butts once again take the top spot.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup program in Canada, a pioneering conservation initiative dedicated to protecting our ocean and waterways from plastic pollution. Since its inception in 1994, the program has grown from a single beach cleanup in Vancouver’s Stanley Park to one of the largest direct-action conservation programs in Canada, now with an international presence.

The Dirty Dozen list sheds light on the twelve most found items on Canadian shorelines in 2024, drawn from citizen science collected from over 25,000 Shoreline Cleanup volunteers across the country. Cigarette butts once again top this list, representing a significant one-third of all litter collected during Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanups across the country in 2024.

Cigarette butts are a dominant and persistent hazard in the environment, containing plastic filters that don’t break down naturally. The organic compounds that they contain also cause pollution, seeping into aquatic ecosystems. Because of their size, they are often overlooked or missed in the environment.

Over the past three decades, more than 1,000,000 volunteers across the country have participated in cleanups, removing trash from thousands of kilometres of shoreline. This collective effort has not only made our beaches cleaner but has also provided invaluable data to researchers and policymakers to address pollution at its source.

“As we celebrate 30 years of the Shoreline Cleanup program, we are reminded of the incredible impact that collective action can have on our environment. Each piece of litter removed from our shorelines represents a step towards a cleaner, healthier ocean. We are grateful to the thousands of volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to this cause, and we look forward to continuing this work together,” said Charlie Cox, Director of Ocean Pollution and Plastics at Ocean Wise.

With years of litter data compiled, Ocean Wise experts have been able to take a closer look at plastic items that repeatedly show up in the environment, with a particular interest in the impacts of federal, provincial and municipal plastic regulations on specific plastic items such as straws, plastic utensils and plastic bags.

The Shoreline Cleanup program, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, continues to inspire individuals, families, community groups, and businesses to take action against plastic pollution. By joining a cleanup, participants contribute to a healthier ocean and a more sustainable future for all. Together, we’re making waves toward a cleaner, plastic-free future!

Register today at ShorelineCleanup.ca.

Click here to read the 2024 Shoreline Cleanup Impact Report.

Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup

Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is one of the largest direct-action conservation programs in Canada, with over 1 million volunteers joining us since 1994. The Shoreline Cleanup offers a fun and engaging way for families, individuals and businesses to make an immediate difference to our shoreline and provide critical data that helps us address plastic pollution at its source. ShorelineCleanup.ca

Ocean Wise
Ocean Wise is a globally focused conservation organization on a mission to restore and protect our ocean. Through research, education, public engagement, and international collaborations, we empower communities to fight three major ocean challenges: ocean pollution, overfishing and climate change. By equipping and empowering individuals, communities, industries, and governments, we can create a future where people and our ocean can thrive. Ocean Wise is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with staff across Canada, and Chile, and operates conservation projects that make national and international impact.  Learn more at ocean.org.

Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited is the nation’s largest retailer, providing Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services, and wireless mobile products and services. Loblaw.ca

For additional information, please contact:

Cayley Elcombe
Communications Specialist, Ocean Wise
[email protected]