San Diego Coastkeeper

Beach Cleanups

• Projects
• Information
• Get Involved
• Partners & Funding
• Program Contacts

Overview

Twice each month, San Diego Coastkeeper partners with the Surfrider Foundation to coordinate two hour beach cleanups with volunteers at designated sites throughout San Diego County. Every month, new volunteers join a dedicated group of regular beach cleanup volunteers to remove marine debris from our precious coastline from Imperial Beach to the Oceanside Pier. The second Saturday of each month, we organize North County cleanups, while we focus on South County beaches on the fourth Saturday of the month.

For all beach cleanups, please wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes and sunscreen. Coastkeeper will provide bags, gloves and water. Each person must fill out a liability waiver before participating, if you are under 18 you MUST have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. You may download the waiver here and bring it to the cleanup filled out or fill one out at the beginning of the cleanup. To participate in the cleanup just show up at the location of your choice at 9am and check in at the registration table. To find out date, location and meeting place of our cleanups please check the schedule. YOU DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLEANUP UNLESS YOU HAVE A GROUP LARGER THAN 25 VOLUNTEERS. To register your group email Danielle Miller.


Beach Cleanup Calendar
Please join us in keeping the coast clear!

Download Liability Waiver (PDF)

Marine Debris Data Collection
Starting January 2007, Coastkeeper and Surfrider began data collection on the different types of marine debris found on the beach during our twice-monthly cleanups. We provide the volunteers with a data card, which they use to keep a tally of all the debris they remove while participating in the cleanup. The purpose of these new cards is to quantify the data at the end of the year and use the information to track trends, educate and inform the public and local businesses about ways they can prevent pollution and to advocate for policy change. It is our hope that the findings from the data cards will lead to behavioral changes in the household and businesses.

After a year’s worth of data it is our finding that plastics dominate the types of debris being found. More than 3 ½ tons of debris was removed by 2,800 volunteers throughout county beaches, with 80,000 pieces of plastics and items made of plastic collected. In March of 2008, this data was released and presented to the Natural Resources and Culture Committee.

Download PowerPoint presentation

2007 San Diego Beach Cleanup Data Collected

Corporate Involvement
In addition to inviting corporate partners to join us at our monthly cleanups or Coastal Cleanup Day, Coastkeeper hosts special corporate cleanups throughout the year. Corporate beach cleanups are a great way to involve your employees in an important environmental hands-on program which teaches people about pollution while they remove debris from the beaches. In addition, involvement in a beach cleanup will enhance the image of your company as a positive contributor to the community and local environment.

To find out more about corporate beach cleanup opportunities click here.

Along with cleaning our beaches, please click here to find out more about how you can be part of the solution of reducing marine debris and its harmful affects on our ocean

Watch the “Pick it up” video to see how marine debris is plaguing our beaches and ocean.