South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Public Notices
• Coastal Management Program
• Coastal Permitting, Consistency & Compliance
• Enforcement
• Estuary Management
• Beachfront Management
• Ocean Management
• Coastal Hazards
• Coastal Planning
• Coastal Water Quality
• Products & Services
• Contact

Marine Debris Initiative

The Adopt-A-Beach program is part of the DHEC Marine Debris Initiative and is a great way for businesses, civic clubs, school groups and neighborhood associations to make a significant contribution to the preservation of our wonderful coastal environment. Everyone who participates in a beach cleanup becomes a powerful advocate for the beach against litter.

To get involved, a representative of your organization should contact the DHEC Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. We will help you find an area to adopt. We will also help publicize your group or organization by posting a sign near your adopted beach to tell everyone that your group is in charge of keeping this stretch of beach clean.

If you would like to participate, call DHEC at (843) 953-0200. We will give you all the information you need to Adopt-A-Beach and keep South Carolina's beaches beautiful! You may also download the 2013-2016 Partnership Agreement online.

• 2013-2016 Partnership Agreement (doc)
• Beach Clean Up Reporting Form* (doc)
• New: Beach Clean Up Reporting Webform

*We strongly encourage partner organizations to use the new Beach Clean Up Reporting Webform. However, hard copy forms may be emailed to dan.burger@dhec.sc.gov or mailed to the address provided on the form.

Thanks to the groups that are currently working to keep our coast clean and healthy: