California Coastal Cleanup Day is  Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 9:00 AM to Noon. Cleaning neighborhoods, parks, street gutters, and waterways helps to protect not only the Delta but also our oceans, as trash travels through storm drains, creeks, and rivers both locally and out to the coastline and beyond. See the list of cleanup events in the Delta below.

What is the Coastal Cleanup Day?

California Coastal Cleanup Day is California’s largest annual volunteer event is sponsored by the California Coastal Commission and brings folks together at sites around the state to celebrate and share their appreciation of California’s fabulous coast and waterways. People from all walks of life gather to help free our waterways and coastlines from the trash and plastics that harm wildlife and fill our oceans. California’s event is likewise part of International Coastal Cleanup Day, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy, which is the largest volunteer event on Earth!

Why are waterway cleanups important?

Debris that gets picked up along our waterways is debris that WON’T get swept out to sea where it harms our oceans and wildlife – not to mention cleanups improve our own Delta beaches, parks,  and recreation and nature areas! The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is an amazing place that supports more than 55 fish species and more than 750 plant and wildlife species. It is also important as a stopover point for migratory birds during their flights along the Pacific Flyway. Plus, it’s where humans live, work, and play near and on the 700 plus miles of waterways that make up the Delta – the “Heart of California”. Let’s help make it a place for all to thrive!

Ready to make a difference?

Join one of the following cleanup events in the Delta or cleanup trash in your neighborhood, park, or local area anytime. A list of cleanup site in the Delta is also provided in this flyer (PDF).

Contra Costa County

Antioch Water Park and Antioch Marina
9 AM to 12 PM on September 17
Visit the City of Antioch website for registration and more details.

Sacramento County

Beach Lake Road
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 17
Visit the American Parkway Foundation website for registration and more details.

San Joaquin County

American Legion Park, Buckley Cove, Burns Cut/Port of Stockton, Lodi Lake
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 17
Visit the San Joaquin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District website for registration and more details.

Solano County

Rio Vista/Sandy Beach Park
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 17
Visit the Solano County website for more details.
Registration not required; questions can be emailed to MAMedders@solanocounty.com

Yolo County

Clarksburg Boat Launch (38125 South River Road)
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on September 17
Contact the office of Yolo County Supervisor Oscar Villegas to volunteer:
Email: district1@yolocounty.org
Phone: 916-375-6443

Lake Washington
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 17
Visit the Lake Washington Sailing Club website for registration and more details.

Port of West Sacramento Barge Canal (Meet at the Barge Canal access parking lot)
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 17

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (Meet in Parking Lot A)
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 17
Registration: volunteercoord@yolobasin.org

Safety Tips

Keep in mind, the air quality in your area may not be safe for outdoor activity. Check air quality by visiting AirNow. And remember… cleaning up the Delta can happen anytime – not just on cleanup day!

• If interacting with members outside your household make sure to wear masks and remain 6 feet apart.
• Wear gloves.
• Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or bare feet) at all times, and wear clothing and sun-block to protect from the sun.
• Don’t touch or pick up dead animals, or attempt to move injured animals.
• Volunteers should never pick up syringes, needles, or any hazardous objects.
• Always stay together by working in teams of at least two.
• Be cautious and aware of sensitive habitat areas. (i.e. wildlife, nest, etc.).
• Be cautious near the water.
• Avoid over-exertion, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Bring and drink water.
• Do not lift anything too heavy – when in doubt, don’t try!
• Do not go near any suspected hazardous materials (e.g., propane tanks, oil or chemical drums, etc.). If debris is spotted that a volunteer suspects to be hazardous or potentially hazardous, the debris should be left untouched and the local fire/hazmat department, environmental health agency or the Coast Guard National Response Center (800-424-8802) should be notified.