WasteFree in the United States
Tackling Urban Ocean Waste from the Heart of San Francisco
Protecting Oceans from City Streets
In the heart of the Bay Area, WasteFree is turning local action into global ocean impact — one cleanup, one classroom, one policy change at a time.
The Waterways Are Under Threat
Plastic waste and ghost gear are choking U.S. coastlines — harming sea turtles, polluting food chains, and threatening both ocean life and local communities.
Plastic in Bay Currents
Tonnes of plastic waste are flushed from cities like San Francisco into the bay and ocean every year. Carried by strong tides and wind, it ends up on remote shorelines, in the stomachs of seabirds, and in the nests of sea turtles.
Ghost Nets Off the Coast
Discarded or lost fishing nets — also known as ghost gear — continue catching marine life long after use. Sea lions, turtles, and fish get trapped and die, and divers risk injury during retrievals.
Toxins in Tribal Waters
Runoff from agriculture and industry leads to rising levels of pollution in estuaries and rivers. These toxins harm traditional fishing grounds and threaten Indigenous ways of life.
Protecting Our Waters
Wastefree tackles plastic pollution at the source. Through local partnerships, policy engagement, and community action, we protect marine ecosystems — permanently.
In San Francisco, Wastefree supports and strengthens local systems that stop plastic before it enters the ocean. Our approach goes beyond beach cleanups: we work upstream.
Our teams collaborate with municipal partners, port authorities, and waste management companies to fix the broken loop of consumption and disposal. Together, we’re developing zero-waste systems, improving recycling flows, and pushing for stricter regulations on single-use plastic.
At the same time, we empower coastal communities through public awareness campaigns, educational programs in schools, and direct-action initiatives. Every campaign is rooted in local engagement and measurable impact. Whether it’s reducing ghost gear from fisheries or rerouting plastic waste from storm drains, the goal is clear: resilient coasts and thriving habitats.
“Real impact starts before the plastic reaches the beach. Wastefree helps us make long-term changes — not just cosmetic fixes.”
Luca Turla
Specialist Marine Campaigns
Turning Commitment into Action
From polluted coastlines to endangered marine wildlife — our projects fight back against ocean waste with courage, collaboration, and measurable results.
Help Us Keep Oceans Alive
Your support fuels hands-on action in the fight against plastic pollution. Together, we can protect marine wildlife and preserve ecosystems — one donation at a time.
“Every piece of plastic we remove is a life we save — and a step closer to restoring our oceans.”
Mary Hoffmann
Marine Conservation Project Manager