How to Conduct a Coastal Cleanup in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

‍Why Host a Cleanup?

Mention environmental efforts in Singapore, and it’s not hard to think about coastal cleanups. Cleanups are easy starting points to get people involved in understanding more about Singapore’s environment. They not only remove harmful debris from our surroundings and raise awareness about marine debris pollution but also contribute directly to the environmental impact in Singapore. 

While it doesn't sound intuitive, coastal cleanups can also create their own challenges if they are not planned well. It is thus helpful to consider the following areas when you or your organisation wish to organise a coastal cleanup in Singapore.

Understanding the Types of Cleanups

There are two main types of cleanups: inland and coastal.

Inland cleanups focus on urban areas, parks, and nature reserves, where litter from daily activities accumulates.

Coastal cleanups, on the other hand, target beaches and shorelines, addressing marine debris that threatens aquatic life and ecosystems. 

Each type requires different approaches and considerations due to the varying terrains and types of waste encountered. This article will cover how to organise a coastal cleanup, which is more commonly held in Singapore.

Planning Your Cleanup

Step 1: Choose Your Date and Time Well

Coastal cleanups are dependent on tides. Low tides are more suitable for carrying out coastal cleanups, as more of the shoreline is exposed, making it easier to spot and collect debris. 

Check the NEA Tide Timings page to schedule cleanups to coincide with low tide timings. It's also wise to plan your cleanup before the arrival of cleaners who maintain the beach to avoid duplicating efforts.
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Many organisations tend to focus solely on their own availability. While this is important, coastal cleanups should also be planned around tide timings to ensure their success.

Step 2: Choose Your Location 

It is easy to default to East Coast Park for a cleanup. However, marine debris is seasonal, and not all coastal areas receive debris year-round. 

In Singapore, early in the year, focus your coastal cleanups on the northern parts of the island, such as Pasir Ris, Changi, and Sembawang, as these areas tend to accumulate more debris during this period. 

Later in the year, shift your efforts to the southern shores, including Sentosa and East Coast Park, where trash becomes more prevalent.

In many of these public parks and areas, waste disposal is as simple as placing collected trash in general waste bins. These are periodically emptied by waste collectors, reducing the administrative burden of engaging separate waste collection services.

Step 3: Gather Supplies

Equip your team with suitable items, including gloves, trash bags, and pickers. Many organisations purchase these items on a one-time basis for convenience, which can inadvertently generate more single-use disposables. This contradicts the intention of the cleanup and may backfire when encouraging participation.

Instead, consider using reusable items. Green Nudge offers rental cleanup toolkits to help minimise disposable waste. Alternatively, if your organisation is committed to year-round cleanups, investing in reusable supplies may be a more sustainable option.

Remember, the goal is not to add more waste! If refreshments are required, encourage participants to bring their own water bottles and offer food options with little to no packaging to avoid single-use items like bottled water or catered food boxes.

Step 4: Recruit Volunteers

Spread the word through social media, community boards, and local networks to gather a group of enthusiastic participants.

Ensure sufficient lead time for marketing or outreach efforts to maximise participation!

Step 5: Safety First

During the cleanup session, ensure that everyone understands their tasks, wears appropriate attire, stays hydrated, and handles waste carefully. Given Singapore’s erratic weather, it's essential to keep participants hydrated to minimise the risk of heat-related injuries.

Organisers should also be prepared for emergencies by bringing a basic first-aid kit with essentials for minor cuts, wildlife-related injuries, and heat relief, ensuring participants' safety throughout the cleanup.

At cleanups in public coastal areas, ensure trash is disposed of properly. Fill each bag about 70% full and triple-knot it to prevent spills. Place the bags near waste bins for cleaners to collect—don’t leave them on footpaths. Sharp objects like glass or broken plastic can pierce through bags or cause injury, so bag them separately and safely!

Step 6: Record Your Impact

While it may be tempting to sort every single item, it’s not always feasible due to scale, time, or manpower limitations. Instead, focus on collecting basic information, such as the total weight of waste collected, or highlight any unusual items found during the cleanup. Take photos and note any interesting observations to improve future events!

This data is valuable for understanding pollution patterns and advocating for environmental policies. More importantly, it raises awareness about the types of waste found in specific areas and helps wrap up the cleanup experience for participants.

Step 7: Celebrate and Reflect

Take a moment to appreciate the hard work and positive impact made. Share your achievements and reflections with the community to inspire continued efforts and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Make it fun! Use humour, shout out relevant parties, or get creative with a playful twist to share these efforts.

Organising Large-Scale Cleanups

Coordinating a large-scale cleanup brings added challenges, such as managing a larger group of volunteers, handling greater volumes of waste, and obtaining necessary permits. If you're planning a significant event, it’s important to consider these factors and prepare accordingly.

For guidance and support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Green Nudge—we’re here to assist you in making your large-scale cleanup a success.

Parting Thoughts 

Hosting a cleanup is a rewarding experience that fosters community spirit and environmental stewardship. Your efforts contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment. By using reusable toolkits, considering the timing of coastal cleanups, understanding the seasonal nature of marine debris, and preparing for large-scale events, you can maximise the impact of your efforts.

Remember—change doesn’t happen overnight, and neither do clean shores! Cleanups are most effective when carried out over time with sustained efforts. Consider establishing a regular cleanup schedule rather than a one-off event. So, gather your team, roll up your sleeves, and make a difference today!

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