VOLUNTEERS from the D&G Foundation of Red Stripe removed waste and debris from Gun Boat and Buccaneer Beach in Palisadoes during the 2026 International Coastal Clean-up Day on Saturday, joining 135 registered groups participating in the national effort to reduce marine pollution.

The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) coordinated the clean-up under the theme ‘Away is a Place,’ drawing attention to what happens to waste after it is discarded.

At Palisadoes, volunteers removed debris from coastal areas affected by waste generated both nearby and inland.

Daika Mitchell, Red Stripe’s communications and sustainability manager, said participating in the clean-up gave employees a practical opportunity to see how everyday disposal habits can affect the coastline.

“Seeing what ends up along the coastline reinforces why responsible disposal has to begin long before waste reaches the beach. Our volunteers were able to remove debris, but the bigger opportunity is preventing it from getting there in the first place,” Mitchell said.

Volunteers also recorded the debris they collected, contributing data that JET and other environmental organisations can use to identify the types and sources of waste reaching Jamaica’s shores.

Daika Mitchell (left), communications and sustainability manager at Red Stripe, and Shawn Daley, packaging operator, record the debris collected during the 2026 International Coastal Clean-up Day on Saturday.

JET reports that plastic items continue to dominate waste collected during International Coastal Clean-up activities, providing information that can help guide waste-reduction efforts and public education.

Mitchell underscored that preventing waste from reaching the coastline requires action before it enters drains, gullies and waterways.

“Through employee volunteerism, environmental partnerships and initiatives such as RedCycling, Red Stripe continues to encourage responsible disposal and practical action to keep waste out of Jamaica’s waterways and coastal areas,” added Mitchell.

Nichela Brown, Red Stripe maintenance technician, collects discarded bottles, helping to prevent plastic waste from entering the Caribbean Sea and affecting marine life.