Volunteers pick up litter at Awalua Beach near Olowalu. PHOTO BY PATRICK WARDLE/SURFRIDER MAUI.

WEST MAUI — In just under three hours, 1,200 pounds of trash was cleaned up from West Maui’s Awalua Beach in an effort organized recently by Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter.

Close in proximity to several popular surfing spots, Awalua Beach is also one of the most polluted.

“While it was sad to see so much trash, we are thankful for the support of every community member who showed up yesterday,” said Enzo Magliozzi, beach cleanup coordinator for Surfrider Maui.

“We can all be part of the solution and help restore our coastlines, one beach at a time.”

Items collected by 65 volunteers included 1,200 paper napkins or toilet paper, 510 cigarette butts, 209 glass beverage bottles, 160 plastic fragments larger than a dime, 135 metal bottle caps, 121 non-beverage plastic bottles, 95 plastic food wrappers, 91 glass fragments, 88 aluminum beverage cans and more.

Snacks and beverages for the Awalua Beach cleanup were donated by Pauwela Beverage Co., Moku Roots and Shaka Pizza.

Surfrider Maui’s next beach cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11, at Sugar Beach. For more information, visit maui.surfrider.org.

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.

Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 500,000 supporters, activists and members, with more than 80 volunteer-led chapters and 60 clubs in the U.S., and more than 400 victories protecting our coasts.

Learn more about the Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter at maui.surfrider.org.