Several trash cleanups will happen on Ocracoke this month. Photo by Richard Taylor.

A number of local and international cleanups will happen in September.

Every April and September, NCDOT asks volunteers across the state to help remove litter from roadsides. This year, NCDOT’s annual Fall Litter Sweep will run from Sept. 11 to 25.

To sign up online, visit ncdot.gov/littersweep.

Everyone can do their part to help prevent litter from collecting on roadsides by always:
•    Securing your load before driving.
•    Never throwing thrash out of your vehicle’s window.

The Surfrider Foundation Outer Banks Chapter holds beach cleanups, but most remain suspended due to restrictions on group events and proximity to others.

It encourages people to do their own solo beach cleanup and post photos about how you’re keeping your beaches, parks and neighborhoods clean by posting a photo on Instagram and tagging @surfrider #SoloBeachCleanup.

In partnership with volunteer organizations and individuals around the globe, the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) engages people to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways. 

International Coastal Cleanup season will start Sept. 18, according to the ICC website.

Concurrently, Ocracoke will hold an Island-wide Yard sale that day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Businesses and residents will showcase their wares at various times throughout the day so that shoppers continue to visit the locations.

Maps of participating yard sale locations will be available at the Ocracoke Variety Store and Ocracoke Post Office. The deadline to be included on the map is Sept. 6, so please submit your entry form by that date.

Maps showing sale locations will be available at the Ocracoke Variety Store and the post office. 

The Ocracoke Island-Wide Yard Sale is free to participate in and to attend.

Yard Sale participants can sign up online at visitocracokevillage.com.

Hard copy entry forms will be available at the Ocracoke post office and can be dropped off at Helios Hideaway.  

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) will host a drop-in volunteer beach cleanup efforts at Ocracoke Beach Access (the Lifeguard Beach) from 7:30 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 18. Volunteers should meet Seashore staff near the restroom facilities.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

All beach cleanup volunteers are encouraged to bring leather gloves, water, snacks and sunscreen. Please wear appropriate clothing, such as hats and closed-toed shoes.

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