Coastal Cleanup Month Maximizes Efforts to Protect Community Waterways and Coastlines

District: Headquarters
Contact: Loren Magaña
Phone: (916) 710-2003

Californians Encouraged to Participate in September Cleanups and Learn About Water Quality

Sacramento ― Caltrans, through its Stormwater Campaign “Let’s Change This to That,” is partnering with the California Coastal Commission for the second year in a row to advocate for cleaner coastlines and pollutant-free water during September’s Coastal Cleanup Month. Numerous cleanup activities will take place statewide throughout the month with a goal of preserving the natural splendor of California’s coastline and ensuring that both inland and coastal area residents understand their impact on community waterways, such as lakes, rivers, creeks, and the ocean. 

“No matter where you live, work or play in California, you can make an impact on improving water quality and maintaining waterways. By volunteering at local cleanup events this month, diligently maintaining vehicles or simply disposing of all waste big and small, your actions can help keep our water pollutant-free. Together, we can make a real difference in our communities.”

Trash, litter and other debris accumulate during drier months while Californians travel, recreate and spend more time outdoors. Stormwater generated by the first heavy rains of the season wash untreated waste and debris into local rivers, creeks, lakes, and the ocean. Beyond encouraging trash collection, the Stormwater Campaign encourages individuals to take preventative actions to stop pollutants at the source, such as picking up after pets, properly disposing of waste, maintaining vehicles to prevent leaks and mitigate wear, and much more. These thoughtful behaviors contribute significantly to maintaining water quality and decreasing pollution.

“California Coastal Cleanup Day isn’t possible without partnerships. For over 38 years, the Coastal Commission has worked with organizations across the state to make the cleanup the most popular volunteer event in the country. Caltrans’ Stormwater Campaign has been a fantastic addition to this growing coalition of community-minded partners. We are excited to continue working with them to make sure every Californian has the opportunity to help protect and enjoy our coast and ocean.”

During the first year of the partnership in 2022, the California Coastal Commission found that statewide volunteer participation on Coastal Cleanup Day was up nearly 25 percent. The partnership aims to build on that success and encourage even more Californians to join a cleanup effort.

The California Coastal Commission in partnership with Caltrans and other community-based organizations are holding the 39^th annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23, by hosting hundreds of local events statewide, including, but not limited to:

• American River Parkway Foundation’s Great American River Cleanup at Discovery Park (Sacramento)

  • Time: 9 a.m. – noon
  • Location: Discovery Park – Oak Site Picnic Area
  • Address: 1600 Garden Hwy, Sacramento 95833

• Refuse Refuse San Francisco’s “Keep Our Highways and Waterways Clean, No Butts!” Cleanup at Ocean Beach (San Francisco)

  • Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Location: Ocean Beach
  • Address: 734 La Playa St., San Francisco 94121

• Orange County Coastkeeper’s Coastal Cleanup Day at Huntington State Beach Tower 10 (Huntington Beach)

  • Time: 9 a.m. – noon
  • Location: Huntington State Beach Tower 10
  • Address: 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach 92646

To find a local cleanup event near you, go to Coastalcleanupday.org and to learn more tips to prevent stormwater pollution, visit CleanWaterCA.com.

About Caltrans:

Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, is responsible for designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating the state's transportation infrastructure. With an unwavering commitment to a safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation system, Caltrans actively engages in various initiatives to safeguard and enhance California's natural environment. For more information about Coastal Cleanup Month and Caltrans' extensive involvement, please visit CleanWaterCA.com.

About the California Coastal Commission:

The California Coastal Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally sustainable development, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination. The Coastal Cleanup Day Program is part of its effort to raise public awareness of marine and coastal resources and promote coastal stewardship. For more information, visit Coastal.CA.gov.