California Coastal Cleanup Day (9/21)

Inland waterways are next. See calendar

(LAist) It’s one of the biggest days of the year for the ecologically minded.

Thousands of volunteers across Southern California will come together on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 21, for the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day.

Last year, volunteers removed 376,308 pounds of trash from Cali beaches and waterways across the state, according to the California Coastal Commission, including 10 tons of debris in Los Angeles County and 12 tons in once filthy Orange County.

The cleanup provides insights into what’s being thrown away in Southern California or, more accurately, what’s being littered. Cigarette butts are the most commonly found item, though plastics and Styrofoam are becoming more common, according to the nonprofit Heal the Bay.

We've got a tropical blond surfer reputation

That’s despite the state’s efforts to cut back on the use of these items. In case anyone is wondering, those new rules are still being phased in as of this year.

If volunteers can’t make it to the beach but still want to help, consider volunteering at one of the inland cleanup sites listed below, because those “No dumping, Drains to ocean” signs on storm drains aren’t lying.

Today wasn't really convenient, so there are other options:

Heal The Bay

Heal has relaunched their monthly Nothin' But Sand clean-up events, which happen on the third Saturday of every month. By the way, the organization expects to cross 2 million pounds [2,000 lbs. is one ton] of trash picked up over the 35 years it's been managing Coastal Cleanup Day for L.A. County.

How to sign up

Some organizers just want volunteers to show up and help out, no sign up required — and beachgoers can always pick up trash wherever, whether or not it’s at one of these official sites.

However, others are requesting that volunteers register in advance to get an accurate headcount. A few of the more hands-on cleanup sites require boats or other special equipment.

To find more information for each site, including contact information and signup details, find it on THIS MAP from the California Coastal Commission.

Here's a list of the cleanup sites for this Saturday: 10 tons of trash were found in LA beaches, and everyone can help clean it up this Saturday (LAist.com)