California Coastal Commission hosts its annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon in locations throughout California, including right here in Malibu.
An estimated 66,800 volunteers participated in last year’s event, where almost 1.2 million pounds of trash were cleared from California’s beaches, lakes and waterways. This year, over 850 locations will host volunteers who will work throughout the morning clearing garbage including cigarette butts, plastic bags and food wrappers.
This year’s cleanup is sponsored by Rubio’s, a fast-casual restaurant with nearby locations in Newbury Park, Westwood and Marina del Rey.
“Our sponsors are crucial partners in helping to educate Californians about the need for healthy marine ecosystems, and we’re thrilled to partner with Rubio’s,” Steve Kinsey, chair of the California Coastal Commission, said in a release. “With 18.5 billion pounds of plastic entering the world’s oceans annually, it’s imperative we all work together to find solutions to marine pollution.”
The day is also coordinated with help from Caltrans and California State Parks.
Those interested in join-ing a local Coastal Cleanup Day event can contact Heal The Bay at 1.800.HEAL.BAY (1.800.432.5229) or go to to Heal the Bay’s website.
The Coastal Commission website provides a checklist for what volunteers should bring, which includes a waiver (available here), a bucket or reusable bag, gardening or leather work gloves, and a reusable water bottle. They also suggest bringing a clipboard and packing a waste-free lunch, as events end at noon.
Volunteers should also wear closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, a hat and an extra layer in case it is cold.