178 Pounds Removed at Fort Adams Newport Cleanup

On April 11, 2026, Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA) hosted a beach cleanup at Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island, where 48 volunteers removed 178 pounds of debris from the shoreline.

Event Details

The cleanup took place along the shoreline at Fort Adams, where a mix of rocky edges, sandy stretches, and tidal buildup created areas where debris collects easily. Volunteers worked through both open beach and tucked-away sections, pulling trash from between rocks and along the high tide line.

Many volunteers focused on smaller plastic fragments scattered throughout the area, which required a slower, more detailed approach.

Partner Recognition

Thank you to Sail Newport for partnering with us on this cleanup and helping make the day possible. We also appreciate everyone who came out, especially the parents who brought their kids along. It’s meaningful to see that kind of example being set early.

What Was Found

Most of the debris collected included plastic bottles, styrofoam, fishing line, ropes, aluminum cans, and plastic and paper cups.

A large share of what was picked up, though, was small plastic fragments—broken down pieces that are easy to overlook but make up a significant portion of shoreline pollution. Among the larger items were a tattered tarp and a camping chair. And for whatever reason, socks were everywhere. A lot of them.

Why It Matters

Small plastic debris is difficult to remove once it spreads and is often mistaken for food by wildlife. Removing it early helps prevent further breakdown and keeps the shoreline in better condition.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in joining a future volunteer beach cleanup in Rhode Island or Connecticut, visit our events page to sign up. You can also support future cleanups by donating.

Ocean Recovery Community Alliance (ORCA) is a nonprofit organization focused on beach cleanups and ocean conservation across Rhode Island and Connecticut.