The Ocean Cleanup has removed more than 50 million kilograms of plastic from oceans and rivers and published around 100 papers. Its 2025 to 2026 '30 Cities' programme targets river outflows with Interceptors and it claims the Great Pacific Garbage Patch could be cleared in ten years for about USD 7.5 billion.
Stichting The Ocean Cleanup is a Dutch public benefit organisation (ANBI) foundation and American Friends of The Ocean Cleanup is a 501(c)(3). Honest caveats: scientists have criticised its early projections as over-optimistic, questioned bycatch and ecological effects, and pointed out that clean-up does not stop new plastic entering the sea. It is a reasonable place for money if you want visible removal; it does not replace upstream policy.
How to start: theoceancleanup.com/donate/