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California Coastal Cleanup Day


Thank you to all of the 2012 volunteers!
Save the date for September 21, 2013.



Join us in helping to clean up tsunami debris!

During 2013, we are mobilizing people all along the California coast to clean up debris that was washed away from Japan during the March 2011 tsunami.


California Coastal Cleanup Day 2012 Preliminary Results


California Coastal Cleanup Day: Every Piece of Trash That You Remove Reveals Something Beautiful WHAT IS COASTAL CLEANUP DAY? California Coastal Cleanup Day, an annual beach and inland waterway cleanup, is the state's largest volunteer event. In 2010, over 82,500 volunteers removed more than 1.2 million pounds of trash and recyclables from our beaches, lakes, and waterways. When combined with the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by Ocean Conservancy and taking place on the same day, California Coastal Cleanup Day becomes part of one of the largest volunteer events in the world.

WHY ARE BEACH CLEANUPS IMPORTANT? California's coast and waterways have historically been collecting spots for annual accumulations of trash and debris. This debris, if not removed, can be harmful and even fatal to all manners of marine wildlife, can damage our state's economy, and can even become a human health hazard. Coastal Cleanup Day is a great way for families, students, service groups, and neighbors to join together, take care of our fragile marine environment, show community support for our shared natural resources, learn about the impacts of marine debris and how we can prevent them, and to have fun!

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE? Participating in Coastal Cleanup Day is as easy as 1, 2, 3! For tips for teachers participating with their classes, see our Educator's Guide.

The Coastal Commission is committed to eliminating the waste created at Coastal Cleanup Day. Please join our efforts by bringing your own reusable supplies to the Cleanup. Learn more on our BYO page.

Be part of the solution to marine pollution! Join us on Saturday, September 15, 2012, from 9 a.m. to Noon for the 28th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. Click here to learn more.

*Are you a marina or yacht club member? Learn how your facility can participate in Coastal Cleanup Day.

Volunteers on San Francisco's Ocean Beach

CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF COASTAL CLEANUP DAY?


Check out our COASTWEEKS Calendar! Coastweeks takes place in the three weeks following Coastal Cleanup Day. You can participate in nature walks, restoration efforts, workshops, and more! Just visit our COASTWEEKS page to find an event that's right for you.

Find a cleanup year-round! Visit the Adopt-A- Beach® page to learn more.

Pledge to keep your beach clean, and learn about other ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Take the Coastal Stewardship Pledge!

Learn about plastic pollution. View the powerful video, Synthetic Sea, from the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, which explores the problem of plastic ocean debris and helps explain some of the reasons why Coastal Cleanup Day is so important.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Find press releases and PSAs on our Media Center page.

Find beaches with beach wheelchairs available free to the public!

Find a cleanup site near you. With over 800 sites throughout California, there is sure to be one in your neighborhood.



WHAT TO BRING

  • A signed waiver (volunteers under 18 must have a parent's signature)
  • Bring Your Own bucket, glove and reusable water bottle. Help us cut down our waste. To find out more about our efforts to make this a less wasteful event, visit our BYO page.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Bring an extra layer, like a sweater or jacket, in case it is cold.