What Debris Free Oceans does

Debris Free Oceans is a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014 with approximately 13 employees. It operates exclusively in Miami-Dade County, Florida, delivering an integrated portfolio of zero-waste programming built around education, marine debris cleanup, sustainability consulting, policy advocacy, and marine debris research. The organization serves three primary constituencies: local businesses (restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and commercial real estate firms) seeking to eliminate single-use plastics; K-12 and college students receiving environmental education; and general community members participating in cleanups and lifestyle events.

The organization does not operate a proprietary technology platform. Its core "products" are service-based: fee-based sustainability consulting for businesses, free educational programming for schools and community groups, in-person cleanups (beach, kayak, scuba, pub-crawl formats), zero-waste lifestyle events, and policy advocacy. Supporting digital tools include the Reusables Calculator, an online tool that estimates cost savings from reusable product adoption, and the Responsible Products Directory, a curated vendor catalog for Miami-Dade businesses. Programs include Plastic Free Cities (a NOAA-funded youth empowerment initiative training high school students as Junior Sustainability Consultants), the Andrew Alessi Scholar Program (paid college internships), and Blue Grove Sustainability Consulting Scholars. The organization's competitive advantages center on its deep community network in Miami, government affiliations through Plastic Free 305 and #PlasticFreeMB certification programs, and NOAA Marine Debris Program grant support.

Revenue is generated through a mix of donations and grants (including the NOAA Marine Debris Program Prevention Grant), fee-based sustainability consulting engagements, and event sponsorships. There is no formal pricing structure; consulting is customized per engagement. The organization reports cumulative impact metrics of 12,204 students educated, 50,174 pounds of trash removed from Miami, and 14,451 people engaged at zero-waste lifestyle events, plus 2.1 million+ pieces of plastic eliminated through consulting efforts since inception.

Name

Debris Free Oceans

Legal name

Debris Free Oceans

Website

https://debrisfreeoceans.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Debris Free Oceans is a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 that delivers zero-waste education, marine debris cleanups, sustainability consulting, and policy advocacy to local businesses, students, and community members across Miami-Dade County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation and Sustainability Services

NAICS

Waste Collection (56211), Remediation and Other Waste Management Services (5629), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (56)

SIC

Sanitary Services (4950), Refuse Systems (4953)

akta.pro primary industry

Pollution Control & Environmental Remediation (Booming, Skimming, Shoreline Cleanup) (TLAHAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solid Waste & Recycling Services Administration (BPAIACAH), Eco-Friendly Disposal, Recycling & Donation Hauling (HSAIAOAJ)

Keywords

• Marine debris cleanup
• Sustainability consulting
• Zero-waste education
• Plastic pollution prevention
• Community cleanup events

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: The organization operates primarily through donations and grant funding from organizations such as NOAA Marine Debris Program to fund programs like Plastic Free Cities.
2. Sustainability Consulting Services: Provides fee-based sustainability consulting services to businesses, helping them eliminate waste, increase product reuse, and implement zero-waste practices.
3. Event Sponsorships: Receives sponsorship support for community events and cleanup activities from corporate partners.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Debris Free Oceans is a Miami-based nonprofit that helps businesses and communities transition to zero-waste through sustainability consulting, education programs, beach and coastal cleanups, zero-waste lifestyle events, and youth empowerment initiatives. The organization also runs the Plastic Free Cities program (funded by NOAA) and provides tools like the Reusables Calculator and Responsible Products Directory to support businesses in eliminating single-use plastics.

Product overview

Debris Free Oceans is a Miami-based nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive suite of environmental programs focused on zero-waste education, marine debris removal, and sustainable business consulting. The core portfolio includes Sustainability Consulting services with the Reusables Calculator tool, Education Programs, Beach and Coastal Cleanups, and Zero-Waste Lifestyle Events. Supporting programs include the Andrew Alessi Scholar Program (paid internships), Plastic Free Cities (youth empowerment), and the Responsible Products Directory. The organization works with businesses to eliminate single-use plastics through the Plastic Free 305 certification program, while also engaging in Law & Policy advocacy and Marine Debris Research. The offerings form an integrated approach to community empowerment and environmental protection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sustainability Consulting
• Education Programs
• Beach and Coastal Cleanups
• Zero-Waste Lifestyle Events
• Andrew Alessi Scholar Program (Chef Andrew Scholars)
• Plastic Free Cities

Quantifiable outcome

• 12,204 students educated about plastic pollution
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ocean ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2022Collaborative partner in Plastic Free Cities program; developed #PlasticFreeMB program inspired Plastic Free 305 County program; jointly conducts youth empowerment and business consulting programs.
• Big Blue & YoucoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2022Youth-focused environmental organization; collaborative partner in Plastic Free Cities program; focuses on engaging students from under-resourced schools.
• Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Plastic Free 305 certification program; collaborated on community events including Baynanza cleanups and Earth Day celebrations.
• City of HialeahcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner for Plastic Free Cities Hialeah cohort; issued Certificate of Appreciation for plastic reduction efforts.
• City of Miami BeachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to create #PlasticFreeMB business certification program; inspired Miami-Dade County's Plastic Free 305 program.
• City of Miami Beach Senior Sustainability CoordinatorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlyssia Berthoumieux participated in Shores Forward Summit panel on plastic-free business certification programs.
• Miami WaterkeepersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Free Our Shores beach cleanup events.
• International SeaKeepers SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Mermaid Snorkel Party cleanup and Free Our Shores beach cleanup.
• Surfrider Foundation MiamiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for SEAS educational program and cleanup events.
• Rescue a ReefminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on women's scuba cleanup and coral restoration expedition.
• BJM RentalsminorOthersProvided boat for floating classroom and cleanup events in Biscayne Bay.
• Compost for LifeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered for composting education at Free Our Shores cleanup event.
• Virginia Key Outdoor CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered for Free Our Shores beach cleanup at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.
• Clear View KayaksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered for kayak cleanup events along Miami Beach canals.
• Jose Marti MastcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHigh school partner for Plastic Free Cities Hialeah Cohort 1; 43 students trained as Junior Sustainability Consultants.
• Hialeah Senior High SchoolcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHigh school partner for Plastic Free Cities Hialeah Cohort 1; students trained and engaged in business canvassing.
• Ransom EvergladescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHigh school partner for Blue Grove Sustainability Consulting Scholars program; students trained in business engagement.
• La Salle High SchoolcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHigh school partner for Blue Grove Sustainability Consulting Scholars program; students trained in sustainability consulting.
• Design and Architecture Senior High School (DASH)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerParticipated in #PlasticFreeMB pilot program; students canvassed 63 businesses and enrolled 12 in program.
• Wynwood Brewing CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided La Rubia beer for zero-waste events; partnered on World Cup watch party.
• Ultra Music FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered for Eco Village presence at festival; showcased sustainability at large-scale event.
• 1 Hotel South BeachminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated grand prize for Plastic Free July challenge; supports plastic-free initiatives.
• Standard Spa Miami BeachminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated prize for Plastic Free July challenge.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Surfrider Foundation: National nonprofit focused on coastal protection, plastic pollution reduction, and beach cleanups. Directly comparable to Debris Free Oceans in mission, community-led beach cleanup model, and youth education programming—Surfrider's Miami chapter is even a documented partner.
• Algalita Marine Research Institute: Nonprofit researching plastic pollution in marine environments and driving upstream solutions through education. Comparable as a marine-debris research and education peer with similar grant-funded model.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition: Global coalition of NGOs, businesses, and thought leaders working to end plastic pollution through policy and corporate engagement. Comparable mission and advocacy posture, with broader international scope.
• 5 Gyres Institute: Nonprofit conducting research, education, and policy advocacy on plastic pollution in oceans. Highly comparable in marine debris research and education focus, though operating at a national rather than community-scale.
• Ocean Conservancy: Major marine conservation nonprofit running the International Coastal Cleanup and policy advocacy on plastic waste. Directly comparable: a core strategic partner of Debris Free Oceans in the Plastic Free Cities program with overlapping business-consulting and youth-empowerment offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Waste Management (WM): Largest North American waste and recycling services provider with growing sustainability and organics offerings. Operates in the same broad waste-management space but as a much larger incumbent with infrastructure-based rather than community-based delivery.
• Closed Loop Partners: Investment firm and advisory platform advancing the circular economy across packaging, reuse, and recycling. Comparable as a broader incumbent in zero-waste consulting and corporate ESG, but with significantly greater capital and a for-profit model.

Emerging players

• Plastic Bank: Social enterprise that builds recycling ecosystems in coastal communities to stop ocean plastic and alleviate poverty. Comparable in addressing ocean-bound plastic, but operates via a collection-and-tokenization model rather than community advocacy.
• GreenWave: Nonprofit supporting regenerative ocean farming entrepreneurs and ocean-based climate solutions. Comparable as an ocean-focused nonprofit with a mix of education, grants, and policy advocacy, though with a different core focus (regenerative aquaculture vs. zero-waste consulting).
• Lonely Whale: B-corp focused on ocean health with signature campaigns on single-use plastics (e.g., Strawless Ocean). Comparable in zero-waste lifestyle movement-building and corporate partnerships, though with a more campaign-driven approach.

Market position

Strengths3 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DebrisFreeOceans
• Instagraminstagram.com/debrisfreeoceans
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/debris-free-oceans

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Debris Free Oceans