Water: Marine Debris
Trash Free Waters
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Trash and litter along our coasts and in our waterways can be harmful to our health, the environment, and the economy. Most trash that ends up in the water begins its journey on land.
EPA is working to reduce the amount of trash and litter that enters streams and rivers, lakes and bays, beaches and coastlines, and ultimately the world’s oceans. This Agency work includes outreach and education, research, and new program partnerships.
However, we cannot solve this problem alone. EPA needs help from citizens, businesses, municipalities, researchers, and many others to keep trash out of our waters. Everyone needs to pitch in!
This web site is a one-stop-shop for information on how to keep our waters trash free. Please click on the links below to learn more about what you can do to help solve this problem!
Basic Information
- Marine Debris Factsheet
- Marine Debris Prevention Toolkit
- Trash Free Waters: The Urban-Coastal Connection Factsheet (PDF) (2pp, 532K, About PDF)
- Marine Debris: Cause, Effect, and Prevention Video
Sources
Impacts
Laws and Regulations
What You Can Do
Prevention, Control, and Reduction
Monitoring and Research
- National Marine Debris Monitoring Program
- Ocean Survey Vessel Bold
- Beach Monitoring
- National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
- Assessing and Monitoring Floatable Debris
- Harbor Studies Program
- Storm Drain Sentries Program
Other Resources
Looking for Marine Debris Resources? Click below!
Marine Debris in the News
- EPA: Fostering the Move Toward Trash Free Seas
- Tsunami Debris Bulletin (EPA Region 9 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
- Atlantic is Found to Have Huge Garbage Patch
- Trash Limits for Anacostia Watershed
- Officials Rejoice Over Low 5-Cent Bag Fee Revenue
- The Complex Interaction
between Marine Debris and
Toxic Chemicals in the Ocean
PDF Version (14 pp, 451K)
