CA Coastal Clean-Up Day 2021

We're Back! The 37th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day is set for Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 9am-Noon, at beaches and waterways throughout the state. Help us remove the trash and plastic pollution that has been accumulating since the CA Coastal Commission was last able to run organized cleanup events. In 2019, more than 74,000 volunteers (including many from ACSC!) picked up more than 900,000 pounds of trash from beaches and waterways throughout California.
Volunteers are also invited to participate throughout the month by cleaning up their neighborhoods, parks, and other local areas. Trash from inland areas flows downstream to the coast, so cleaning up neighborhood trash helps prevent marine debris. Gather cleanup supplies from home, download the CleanSwell app (to count your trash, and to have your trash counted!), and clean on your own time throughout September. More than 14,000 Californians participated in a neighborhood cleanup during September 2020, preventing over 150,000 pounds of trash from entering our stormwater systems and potentially polluting our coast and ocean.
This is how it will work:

• ACSC is partnering with East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) for this event and we will be cleaning up Crown Beach!
  
• After the clean-up, head to ACSC for Open Sail! Show the front-desk staff a photo of yourself participating in the beach clean up to earn a free ACSC Open Sail Pass!
  

In addition the Coastal Commission and its partners recommend the following practices for cleaning up litter and other debris:
Preparation

• If you are sick in any way, DO NOT go out for a cleanup.
• Assemble your own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): face mask, gloves, and make sure to wear close-toed shoes to protect against sharp objects.
• Download the Clean Swell app (available for free on all platforms) to keep track of what you pick up and how many people participated with you.

 
 
 Cleanup
 

• Follow your local safety guidelines (Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from everyone you encounter, even if you are wearing a mask)
• Check your local air quality at www.airnow.gov  
• ALWAYS wear gloves – disposable if available - and dispose or wash them immediately after your cleanup.
• Avoid touching any surfaces like railings, benches, etc.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Do not pick up sharp objects, especially syringes!
• If you clean up a local beach or waterway, be mindful of the conditions (such as high tide, sneaker wave warnings, etc.), and be careful near the water’s edge.
• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife!
• Unfortunately, you may find used gloves, masks, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) among litter. DO NOT PICK UP ANY PPE without a grabber. Put all PPE litter in a separate disposable bag. 

 
After Cleanup
 

• Dispose or wash gloves immediately after your cleanup. To properly remove disposable gloves, grab the glove opening near your wrist and pull towards your fingers, then turn the glove inside out before disposing. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible, and use hand sanitizer in the meantime if soap and water are unavailable.
• Show us your cleanup! Post your pictures using our #protectyourhappyplace (and #coastalcleanupday) hashtags on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and see how your community is participating.

 
Have fun and remember, safety first!
 
Thank you for your help and support!