Volunteers hit the beach in Westport Sunday to pick up garbage during what's called "the dirtiest beach day of the year," the day after the Fourth of July.

They were armed with buckets and trash grabbers as they combed the shoreline to eliminate single-use plastics and other debris that were left behind after Independence Day celebrations.

The Connecticut Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation sponsored the event.

"This effort is so important to our chapter because we find that July 5 is statistically the dirtiest day on our beaches. So our volunteers are here on the beautiful Connecticut shore trying to help the state crews as best we can, pick up what people left from the party the night before," explained the foundation's Jack Egan.

"It's so great to see everyone come out. We have four teams out here today, so it's really heartwarming to see the effort," said Giancarlo Portale, also of the Surfrider Foundation.