Small Steps, Big Tides: Join L.A. County for Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 This Saturday

There is something undeniably powerful about living on the Westside. Our beaches, coastal bluffs, and ocean views aren't just scenic backdrops—they define our lifestyle, our local culture, and our sense of home.

This Saturday, September 19, 2026, we have the opportunity to give a little love back to the coastlines that give us so much.

From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, thousands of Angelenos will take to the sand, dirt, and water for Coastal Cleanup Day 2026, an international initiative designed to protect our oceans, watersheds, and wildlife from marine debris and plastic pollution.

A 37-Year Tradition of Civic Impact

While Coastal Cleanup Day is global, its local impact across Southern California is coordinated right here at home. For 37 consecutive years, Heal the Bay—in partnership with the California Coastal Commission and the Ocean Conservancy—has served as the official Los Angeles County coordinator for this incredible effort.

The impact of this single three-hour window cannot be overstated:

• Over 60 Local Sites: Cleanup locations span across L.A. County, ranging from iconic coastal beaches and underwater dive sites to neighborhood parks, hiking trails, and urban river beds.

• Stopping Pollution at the Source: What drops in our neighborhood streets eventually travels down storm drains and into the Santa Monica Bay. Cleaning up inland parks and neighborhood blocks stops ocean pollution long before it hits the surf.

• Real Numbers, Real Results: Over the decades, local volunteers have removed millions of pounds of single-use plastics, microplastics, styrofoam, and stray debris from the L.A. coastline, directly protecting sea turtles, marine mammals, and coastal birds.

How to Participate This Saturday

Whether you want to spend the morning on the sand with family, team up with friends along your favorite coastal trail, or pick up litter right in your own neighborhood, getting involved takes minimal setup:

1. Find Your Site: Head to Heal the Bay’s site map to choose from over 60 locations along the coast (check below for specific Westside and L.A. beach spots!).

2. Pre-Register: Online registration is currently live. Signing up in advance helps site captains ensure adequate gear and supplies.

3. Pack Zero-Waste Gear: Bring your own reusable bucket or garden bag, heavy-duty work gloves, a refillable water bottle, and sun protection. Minimizing disposable trash during the cleanup helps keep the event as green as possible!

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

Preserving the health and beauty of the Westside isn't just about protecting property value; it’s about honoring the environment that brings our entire community together.  Events like Coastal Cleanup Day showcase the genuine, grassroots care that makes living along the L.A. coast so rewarding. If you have a spare couple of hours this Saturday morning, grab a pair of gloves, bring the kids or a neighbor, and join us in keeping our local waters clean, vibrant, and thriving for generations to come.