Thousands of San Mateo County residents will gather at their local beaches, creeks, waterways, parks, and neighborhoods to remove tons of trash and debris for California’s 34th annual Coastal Cleanup Day on September 15, 2018. Residents are invited to participate in this important volunteer event alongside thousands of people across the state in an effort to support the health of our communities and the local environment.

Those wishing to participate can register online at smchealth.org/ccd and see the full list of 30+ cleanup sites across San Mateo County. This year participants will receive free canvas drawstring backpacks and reusable stainless-steel straws while supplies last. Families are encouraged to bring their children, as this family friendly event is a great opportunity to learn about the impact of litter and how to prevent it from polluting our communities.

To help reduce the event’s overall environmental footprint, Participants are encouraged to carpool, bike, or take public transit to their site and to bring their own buckets, gloves, and reusable water bottle. On the day of the cleanup, please check in at the site location sign-in table to receive direction from your designated site captain.

“Everyone who enjoys San Mateo County’s natural beauty can play a role in maintaining it,” says Heather Forshey, director of Environmental Health Services. “Coastal Cleanup Day demonstrates the powerful, measurable impact we can have on protecting our local environment when we work together.”

Last year 4,447 volunteers collected 28,706 pounds of trash in San Mateo County, including over 11,000 cigarette butts and 4,252 pounds of recyclables. Statewide, over 63,000 volunteers removed over 800,000 pounds of trash and recyclables during last year’s event. Since 2005, an estimated 375,912 pounds of trash and debris have been removed from San Mateo County’s coast and waterways thanks to the efforts of local Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers.

Coastal Cleanup Day in San Mateo County is coordinated by Environmental Health Services in partnership with the California Coastal Commission, Ocean Conservancy, and many statewide and local partners.

WHEN: Saturday, September 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Over 30 locations across the county. See smchealth.org/ccd for a full list of sites.

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