Green Jersey

Sand and slop at Jersey Shore

Above: That's no shell. Image via youmaybegreen.com.

Volunteers with Clean Ocean Action scoured New Jersey beaches last year and found not only sand and surf, but loads of trash — the most in the annual cleanup’s 22-year history, the organization said today.

Cigarette filters were found in the largest numbers, and plastics — caps, lids, wrappers, straws, bottles, utensils — rounded out the list of top offenders. In the realm of the wacky, volunteers reported finding a paint roller, 8-track tape, microwave, TV set and three toilet seats. (If you’re missing any of these items, please remind yourself to not bring them to the beach next time.)

The 2008 Spring Beach Sweeps will take place this Saturday at 9 a.m. Click here for more information, and here for locations.