Coastal Cleanup Day Returns Saturday Across LA County

Get ready, Los Angeles – Saturday is the big day for the 42nd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. Over 60 locations across the county are opening their doors (or, more accurately, their shores, streams and sidewalks) to volunteers who want to see less plastic litter and more clean space.

Heal the Bay is coordinating the effort, teaming up with the California Coastal Commission and Ocean Conservancy. The partnership means you’ll find cleanup crews on sandy beaches, riverbanks, city parks, bike trails, and even at a few dive sites where underwater volunteers can collect debris that’s sunk out of sight.

Choosing a spot is simple. If you live near Santa Monica, head to the pier; if you’re closer to the San Gabriel River, that’s a perfect place to pitch in. The map on coastalcleanupday.org shows every site, and you can click to see what kind of trash is most common at each spot – often it’s cigarette butts, food wrappers, stray straws and a mish‑mash of plastic utensils.

Why the rush this year? Recent rains have been heavier than usual, washing more litter from inland creeks into the ocean. “As we celebrate the 50th year of the Coastal Act, Coastal Cleanup Day serves as an important reminder that we all need to show up to protect our coast,” said Kate Huckelbridge, the California Coastal Commission’s executive director. Her words ring true, especially when a sudden downpour can turn a quiet neighborhood stream into a trash‑carrying conveyor belt.

Last year saw more than 40,000 volunteers at 700 sites statewide. Since the very first cleanup in 1985, nearly 1.9 million people have taken part, collectively pulling out roughly 13,770 tons of waste. That’s a lot of plastic, but it’s also a lot of proof that ordinary folks can make a huge difference.

If you’re on the fence, think of it as a weekend adventure with a purpose. Grab a pair of gloves, a reusable water bottle, and maybe a friend or two. Whether you spend an hour picking up litter on a beach trail or spend the whole morning diving near a harbor, you’ll be part of a statewide wave of action.

Still need details? Visit coastalcleanupday.org for the full list of locations, sign‑up instructions and safety guidelines. And if you want a reminder, sign up for Patch’s free newsletters – they’ll keep you posted on local events like this one.

So mark your calendar, set an alarm, and join the community of Angelenos who are turning trash into triumph this Saturday. The coast, the rivers, the parks – they’re all waiting for you.