News Summary
On September 20, California will host its 41st annual Coastal Cleanup Day, aiming to attract around 50,000 volunteers to clean beaches and parks. The event is part of the global initiative International Coastal Cleanup Day and features a new ‘Trashure Hunt’ for participants to find hidden items and win prizes. Local organizations will coordinate cleanup efforts targeting coastal areas and inland regions. With a successful turnout expected, the event emphasizes community involvement and environmental responsibility, gathering data on trash trends for better waste management.
California Coast Prepares for a Big Cleanup on September 20
Mark your calendars, folks! On Saturday, September 20, California will celebrate its 41st annual Coastal Cleanup Day. This anticipated event is projected to attract around 50,000 volunteers from all over the state, gearing up to clear trash and debris from California’s stunning beaches, sparkling waterways, beautiful parks, and essential public spaces.
There’s a good chance your local beach or park could look a bit messier than usual this year! Rain is forecasted prior to the cleanup day, meaning more debris may find its way to our beloved coastline. But that’s not going to dampen anyone’s spirit! This year’s cleanup is aligned with the global International Coastal Cleanup Day, making it part of a broader initiative to keep our planet clean and green.
New Incentive: The “Trashure Hunt”!
For the first time, participants will be able to join in on a “Trashure Hunt”. This twist of fun adds an exciting layer to the cleanup! Volunteers will aim to find specific hidden items at designated cleanup sites and could end up walking away with some nifty prizes. Think hotel stays, theme park tickets, gift cards, and more! The details about these hidden treasures will be revealed through social media in the days leading up to the event, so keep an eye out!
Local organizers like Orange County Coastkeeper and Heal the Bay are partnering to coordinate efforts in their respective areas, ensuring the event runs smoothly. Cleanup efforts will target locations both along the coastline as well as inland areas, especially regions expected to suffer from litter flow due to the upcoming winter rains.
Past Success and Expected Turnout
Last year, volunteers from Orange County alone totaled about 3,400 and managed to collect an impressive 18,000 pounds of trash. This year, the buzz is high, and similar success is anticipated. Notably, a major cleanup will take place at Huntington State Beach, where visitors can enjoy a sustainability fair featuring local exhibitors.
Meanwhile, at Upper Newport Bay, roughly 1,000 volunteers will focus on ten “mini cleanup sites”, which will include efforts for invasive plant removal. Volunteers are set to arrive from all over, with some coming from as far inland as Riverside, determined to prevent litter from flowing into coastal waters.
A Comprehensive Approach to Litter Management
This annual event isn’t just about picking up trash. It also serves a purpose beyond the cleanup itself. Volunteers will collect data on trash trends that can be presented to policymakers, helping them devise better waste management strategies. Since its inception in 1985, 1.8 million volunteers have banded together to remove over 13,500 tons of trash. That’s a staggering statistic that reveals both the impact and necessity of such initiatives!
Curious about what kind of garbage might be found? Common items often collected include cigarette filters, food wrappers, and plastic straws, but there are also some quirky and unusual finds each year.
Special Events Linked to the Cleanup
Besides beach cleanups, there are additional special events planned around the cleanup days, such as a cleanup at Santiago Canyon featuring green waste disposal options.
In Dana Point Harbor, Stand Up To Trash has a lineup of evening activities planned, including yoga sessions and a documentary screening. Cleanup efforts will extend across urban parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Orange County, providing ample opportunities for everyone to get involved!
Find Your Cleanup Spot!
Individuals eager to assist can easily locate their nearest cleanup site by checking out the California Coastal Commission’s website. Vallejo will also participate with 14 cleanup sites managed by local organizations like the Vallejo Wastewater District, and they’ll even have mental health awareness events alongside the cleanup efforts.
The primary goal of this massive cleanup is clear – to reduce litter before the winter rains kick in and increase the risk of pollution in our precious waterways. So, gather your friends and family and join in on the fun and community spirit as you contribute to a cleaner California!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newport Beach Prepares for Coastal Cleanup Day
Transforming Randall Preserve in Orange County
Plans Unveiled for Randall Preserve in Costa Mesa
Explore the Diverse Beaches of Orange County
Huntington Beach Closes Ocean Waters After Major Sewage Spill
Additional Resources
- Vallejo Sun: Upcoming Vallejo Events
- Wikipedia: International Coastal Cleanup
- LBBOnline: California Coastal Commission
- Google Search: California Coastal Cleanup Day
- Independent: Help Cleanup Santa Barbara’s Coast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Cleanup
- South Tahoe Now: Three Lake Tahoe Locations for Cleanup
- Google News: California Beach Cleanup
- Antioch Herald: Trashure Hunt Contest
- Google Scholar: Coastal Cleanup Initiatives
- Signal Tribune: Volunteers Needed for Cleanup Day
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
