California Department of Transportation
09/18/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/18/2025 10:18
California Needs You: Join Coastal Cleanup Day on September 20 to Protect Our Shores and Waterways
California Needs You: Join Coastal Cleanup Day on September 20 to Protect Our Shores and Waterways
Published: Sep 18, 2025
District: Headquarters
Contact: Jeff Burdick
California Coastal Commission to debut 'Trash'ure Hunt where special items redeemable for prizes will be hidden at cleanup sites across the state
SACRAMENTO - California's largest volunteer event is back! On Saturday, September 20, thousands of volunteers from Del Norte to Imperial County will unite for Coastal Cleanup Day, a statewide effort to remove litter from beaches, rivers, creeks, bays and wetlands. Whether you're a seasoned environmental advocate or a first-time volunteer, your participation can make a real difference.
This year, the California Coastal Commission is adding a fun twist: the debut of the "Trash'ure Hunt" - a scavenger-style challenge where select cleanup sites will feature hidden items redeemable for prizes.
To find an event near you and register, visit the California Coastal Commission website for a map of local cleanups.
"We bear a significant responsibility as residents of California to protect our majestic waterways and safeguard their beauty and cleanliness for current and future generations. Water plays a starring role in the state's economic vitality and cultural identity, and these statewide cleanup events provide everyone an opportunity to help in their communities and preserve that legacy."
Dina El-Tawansy, Caltrans Director
Since all state waters are interconnected, by cleaning up and reducing litter on local rivers, creeks and lakes, we prevent storms from flushing that trash downstream to the coastline. In fact, studies have found that 80 percent of trash on our beaches originated from an inland source.
"It is truly inspiring to see the enduring dedication of Californians to our coast and waterways. The commitment of our volunteers - spanning generations - continues to be the foundation of our success. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support and invite everyone to join us in continuing this powerful legacy of environmental stewardship on Sept. 20."
Kate Huckelbridge, California Coastal Commission Executive Director
Caltrans' Stormwater Public Education Campaign is a proud co-sponsor for Coastal Cleanup Day. This includes organizing annual Coastal Cleanup events in all 12 Caltrans districts, including the following opportunities:
River City Waterway Alliance (RCWA)
• Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
• Steelhead Creek
• 201 W. El Camino Ave., Sacramento, 95833
Refuse Refuse San Francisco
• Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
• Ocean Beach
• 800 Great Hwy, San Francisco, 94121
Inland Empire Waterkeeper
• Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
• Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park
• 5759 Jurupa Ave., Riverside, CA 92504
Orange County Coastkeeper
• Time: 9 a.m. - noon
• Huntington State Beach
• 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
San Diego Coastkeeper
• Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
• Otay Valley Regional Park, Rios Avenue Staging Area
• 1769 Rios Ave, Chula Vista, CA 9217
The events are scheduled just before the first heavy rainfall of the autumn and winter seasons. The less trash along our roadways, riverbanks and coastlines, the less that flows untreated into our waterways. For this reason, Caltrans reminds drivers to tarp and secure their loads on roof carriers and in truck beds. Travelers can also prevent trash from blowing out of car windows by designating a vehicle garbage bag and properly disposing of it at a rest area or final destination.
To find a local Coastal Cleanup Day event near you, visit CoastalCleanupDay.org.
Photos from Coastal Cleanup Day 2024:
Liberty Station NTC San Diego Martha McLean Park, Riverside
Sacramento Tower Bridge (both images):
California Department of Transportation published this content on September 18, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 18, 2025 at 16:18 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]