Host an H₂OC Cleanup

Preventing pollution from reaching Orange County’s creeks, rivers, and ocean is critical to the health of our communities and aquatic life. That’s why we are partnering with schools across OC to make it as simple as possible to host cleanups on their campuses. If you are a high school educator or student leader, we have everything you need to empower students to be water quality protectors!

Why Are School Cleanups Important?

Unlike the sewer system (which does treat water), anything that flows into the storm drain system can go untreated into OC’s creeks, rivers, and ocean. If litter like bottles, cans, and food wrappers from school campuses are left on the ground instead of closed bins, they can be carried along with rainwater or irrigation runoff into Orange County’s waterways and cause harm. H₂OC School Cleanups are one way that students can make a big impact in keeping our inland and coastal waters pristine. Since 2022, OC students have prevented 2,359 littered items from reaching our waterways by participating in H₂OC School Cleanups.

How Do l Host an H₂OC Important?

School cleanups are FREE! H₂OC is here to help support you through the process to make it as easy as possible. Follow the steps below to host your cleanup:

1. Fill out the interest form below.
2. An H₂OC staff member will reach out to discuss your needs.
3. H₂OC will provide you with everything you need to host a school cleanup (instructions, data sheets, buckets, grabbers, trash bags, gloves, etc.).
4. Host your cleanup.

Testimonials

“Organizing a school cleanup gave my students a sense of pride and accomplishment in giving back to our school community. I would absolutely recommend other schools to this program. The H₂OC staff is easy to work with, program runs smoothly, and both the school and the students benefit from the experience!”

-AP Environmental Science Teacher & AVID Coordinator, Troy High School