What to bring for a beach cleanup

A beach cleanup needs more than litter pickers and bin bags. You also need a clear check-in point, safe waste zones, refreshments and supplies for minor injuries or eye irritation. This shopping list covers the equipment, cleaning materials, furniture, lighting and reusable tableware needed for the cleanup. Buy or collect the items early enough to label bags, sort equipment and chill drinks before volunteers arrive.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Tableclothsqty 6
Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4

Equipment

Disposable grabbersqty 35
Trash grabbersqty 10
Hand scalesqty 2
Megaphonesqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

Battery lanternsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Reusable glovesqty 40
Work glovesqty 10
Litter pickersqty 20
Bucketsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Trash bag holdersqty 12
Waste binsqty 6
Waste separation signsqty 6
Plastic tarpsqty 6
First aid kit
Eye wash bottlesqty 2
Tweezersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Food warmersqty 4
Handwashing stationsqty 2
Ice packsqty 16

Decorations

Route arrowsqty 12
Information boardsqty 4
Registration signsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Spa Rood - 2 crates
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Multifruit Juice - 3 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Wholegrain wraps - 6 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Smoked tofu - 1,5 kilo
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 tin
- Black pepper - 1 canister
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Large trash bags - 150 pieces
- Small trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant gel - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 12 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 2 boxes
- Wound disinfectant - 2 bottles
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- Insect repellent - 4 bottles
- AA batteries - 2 packs
- AAA batteries - 2 packs

Tips

Plan at least one pair of reusable or work gloves and one litter picker per active volunteer, then add a few spare pairs for late registrations or damaged equipment.
Bring several waste bag holders or bins and label each waste zone before the start. Separate waste separation signs prevent volunteers from having to guess where full bags belong.
Pack a first aid kit, eye wash bottles and tweezers in a clearly marked place at the registration desk. Keep them accessible throughout the cleanup rather than in a vehicle that may be moved.
Set up a registration area with folding tables, chairs, tablecloths and a megaphone before volunteers arrive. Add power banks if phones are used for the participant list or volunteer schedule.
If the cleanup runs into the evening, check battery lanterns, string lights, extension cords and power banks at least one day beforehand. Use barrier tape or bollards to mark waste zones and keep bags away from walkways.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a beach cleanup?: Bring gloves, litter pickers or grabbers, buckets, waste bag holders, bins and waste separation signs. Also prepare first aid supplies, eye wash, tweezers, reusable cups, plates and cutlery, plus tables and chairs for registration and refreshments.
How many litter pickers and gloves do I need per person?: Plan one usable pair of gloves and one litter picker or grabber for each active volunteer. Keep around 10% extra where possible, so a group of 30 needs at least 33 sets if equipment is available.
What should I bring for sorting beach cleanup waste?: Use labelled trash bags, waste bag holders or bins, and clear waste separation signs for each waste zone. Set up the zones before volunteers arrive and reserve waste disposal in advance, especially if bags will be collected after the event.
When should I buy supplies for a beach cleanup?: Buy or check consumable and safety supplies at least 3 to 5 days before the cleanup. Check equipment, first aid materials, lighting, power banks and the weather forecast again the day before, then chill drinks and set out food on the event day.

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