Eneco Clean Beach Cup gathers thousands of volunteers on Belgian coast

On 13 September 2026, the 17th edition of the Eneco Clean Beach Cup took place along the Belgian coastline, attracting thousands of volunteers from surf‑ and beach clubs stretching from Cadzand to De Panne. The main hub was Surfclub Windekind in Oostduinkerke, where participants combined beach and dune clean‑up with music, children’s activities, and sport challenges. Organisers, in partnership with groups such as Mooimakers and Propere Strandlopers, aimed to collect and measure the waste removed, announcing the total amount at 18:00.

The annual event, running since 2010, highlights the ongoing challenge of marine litter, with an estimated 150 million pieces of waste drifting in the North Sea and an additional 20 000 tonnes added each year. Volunteers received cleaning kits and red vests, and could join spontaneously or via pre‑registration. The day featured live coverage, a children’s treasure hunt, and a Belgian championship of daring sports, underscoring the blend of environmental action and community recreation.