Coastal Cleanup Day 2024: 31,589 Pounds of Trash Collected

Coastal Cleanup Day 2024 was an incredible success! 

This yearly day of action is California’s largest volunteer event, where residents attend cleanups in their neighborhoods to remove litter from public spaces. On September 21, over 4,750 residents attended 38 different cleanup events in Orange County!

Thank you to everyone who participated in helping to protect OC’s creeks, rivers, and ocean. 

Total Impact

Volunteers did a fantastic job maximizing their impact this year. 

Across the 38 different OC cleanup events, volunteers removed over 31,589 lbs. of trash from parks, beaches, and waterways. That’s over 15 tons of trash that was prevented from reaching our water bodies and over 10,000 lbs. more than last year! 

This rainy season is forecasted to be below average in rainfall. But regardless of the amount of rain, trash can still make its way into our water bodies via the storm drain system. This makes these cleanup events – and proper disposal of trash and recyclables in the first place – incredibly critical in our efforts to protect our water resources. 

Storm Drain Vs. Sewer System

The storm drain and sewer systems both serve critical purposes in Orange County. The storm drain system doesn’t treat water because it is designed to quickly carry rainwater away from our streets, parking lots, and roofs to prevent flooding.

This differs from the sewer system which is designed to treat indoor wastewater from things like toilets, showers, and sinks. 

Placing all trash and recyclables in closed bins is critical to prevent litter from getting into OC’s creeks, rivers, and the ocean.

More Ways to Protect Orange County’s Waterways

There are many ways to get involved in your local community and protect our waterways. Here are some simple ways to continue your impact throughout the year:

1. Attend other cleanups. Coastal Cleanup Day isn’t the only time we come together to keep trash out of our waterways. Volunteer events like this are happening year round! To find a cleanup event near you, check out our events calendar here. 
2. Apply for our RainSmart Rebates (currently only available in South Orange County).  The RainSmart Rebates Pilot Program offers incentives and assistance to upgrade both residential and large landscapes through the installation of rain containers and rainwater treatment features. Whether you have a residential or large landscape, we are stacking rebates on top of those already offered through the Municipal Water District of Orange County, including substantial additional incentives for landscape features to collect rainwater, manage runoff, and help local waterways flourish.   
3. The Good, the Bad, and the Bugly Actions. Pesticides are often toxic to aquatic life and, if improperly applied, can find their way to OC’s creeks, rivers, and ocean via the storm drain system. To prevent this, keep ants and spiders away by using ant bait stations and decluttering your outdoor spaces. Learn more here.
4. Install a rain barrel. Collect rainwater from your roof with a rain barrel! This water can then be used for your irrigation needs to save money and water. Diverting this runoff also helps prevent untreated water from flowing into the storm drain system. Commit to installing a rain barrel here.
5. Leave no trace. While you’re enjoying OC’s beautiful parks and beaches, take everything you brought with you and place all trash in a closed bin.
6. Pick up after your pets. Place all dog waste in a bag, tie it shut, and put it in a closed bin.

We’re grateful for all of our residents and businesses in Orange County.

Our communities take tremendous pride in helping our water resources thrive, and it’s one of the main reasons we continue to get stellar reviews in the annual Heal The Bay Beach Report Card. Keeping trash out of our waterways and using rainwater as a resource are things everyone can do every day of the year. 

We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Coastal Cleanup Day and thank you for being waterway protectors.