World’s Largest Trash Cleanup Event Returns to OC

Coastal Cleanup Day is making its in-person comeback on Sept. 18 after a year hiatus. To observe this day, Orange County Coastkeeper is coordinating cleanup sites throughout the county, providing supplies, and collecting data on behalf of the California Coastal Commission.

This is Coastkeeper’s sixth year hosting Coastal Cleanup Day. The volunteer beach cleanup is from 9 a.m. to noon and it includes more than 30 sites throughout Orange County. Coastal Cleanup Day encourages people to collect trash and recyclable items discarded on the region’s coastline, waterways, or near home.

To add more fun this year, Coastkeeper is also hosting a month-long virtual event where volunteers can collect trash on any date. Volunteers will be able to contribute to the data collected by Coastal Cleanup Day by using the Clean Swell® app and using the group name Coastkeeper Clean.

The Orange County cleanup is part of California Coastal Cleanup Day, organized by the California Coastal Commission with cleanup sites statewide, including more than 30 in Orange County. 

 This statewide event is part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, which attracts two million volunteers across the United States and 21 million people globally. It is regarded as the world's largest trash cleanup event.

 Prior to the pandemic, more than 7,000 Orange County volunteers collected a record-breaking 70,485 pounds of trash and recyclable materials during the three-hour event. Some of the most obscure findings have included wigs, a flute, car parts, and more. 

Attendance is free and supplies will be provided to attendees if needed. However, Coastkeeper aspires to accomplish a low-waste event and asks that volunteers bring their own cleanup supplies including a bucket or reusable bag, gloves, and reusable water bottle.

 To participate in virtual cleanups or to find a location near you for Sept. 18, please visit Coastkeeper’s Coastal Cleanup Day page.

Image Credit Keegan-Callender