What to Know

  • California Coastal Cleanup Day
  • Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Volunteer to pick up litter at a local beach, river, waterway, or park
  • Be on the lookout for “trash” pieces at your cleanup site; they may be part of the “Trashure Hunt,” a large-scale scavenger hunt

It’s always a good time to pick up a cup or bag on the piece and deposit it in the nearest trash receptacle, whatever the date on the calendar happens to be.

But on a special September Saturday, right around the start of fall, de-littering our favorite stretch of sand takes on a wider and wondrous vibe, courtesy of California Coastal Cleanup Day.

The mondo volunteer effort, which is overseen by the California Coastal Commission, finds tens of thousands of people out and about with buckets, gloves, and the desire to return the bluffs and riverbanks to their beautiful, trash-free states.

But a twist is coming in 2025, and it is sure to appeal to many of the 50,000 or so volunteers who are expected to participate Sept. 20.

There’s a “Trashure Hunt” afoot, which means participants will need to keep their peepers peeled for special items at various sites.

Those goodies might include amusement park tickets, tickets to sparks games, and gift cards.

“We’re very excited about this year’s creative twist on Coastal Cleanup Day,” said Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge.

“Californians have repeatedly show up to protect the state’s iconic shoreline, and this is our way of celebrating that dedication.”

There are over 200 California Coastal Cleanup sites dotting the Southern California map, with Heal the Bay, Orange County Coastkeeper, and other ocean-championing organizations leading events.

You’ll want to check out what you need to show with and what will be provided; you can do so here, beach lovers, before you begin your Trashure Hunt and, yes, help to tidy our state’s tremendous coasts, shores, and urban waterways.