Long Beach Doubles Beach Cleanup Sites for 42nd Year

Long Beach is doubling down on keeping its coastline pristine, expanding from five to 10 cleanup locations for the 42nd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19.

The three-hour morning event has become a powerhouse of community action. Last year alone, more than 950 volunteers cleared nearly 2,400 pounds of debris from local beaches and marinas, proving that a few hours of collective effort can make a massive difference.

This year's cleanup coincides with the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act, the landmark legislation that protects the state's 1,100-mile shoreline. The timing adds extra meaning to an already impactful tradition.

"Coming together for this cleanup is a powerful way to honor that legacy and ensure our beaches and marinas remain vibrant, healthy spaces for generations to come," Mayor Rex Richardson said.

The expanded footprint means more shoreline gets attention, from Alamitos Bay Marina to Rainbow Harbor. Each of the 10 sites will feature unique activities and educational components led by local partners like the Aquarium of the Pacific, L.A. Water Keeper, and Ocean Conservancy.

One location stands out for its Olympic connection. Alamitos Beach will host the 2028 Olympic beach volleyball and Paralympic blind football competitions, making this cleanup part of the city's preparation for the global spotlight. The site will feature USA Artistic Swimming athletes as part of Ocean Conservancy's "Protect Where We Play" initiative.

The event welcomes volunteers of all ages. Gloves and trash bags are provided, though organizers encourage bringing reusable supplies to reduce waste. Kids under 16 need a parent or caregiver signature, and parking is free at all locations.

The Ripple Effect

Long Beach has become a flagship location for California's coastal cleanup efforts, and this year's expansion shows how community enthusiasm can grow a good thing into something even better. By doubling the number of sites, organizers are making it easier for more people to participate and harder for litter to hide anywhere along the coast.

The collaboration spans neighborhood associations, yacht clubs, nature centers, and environmental nonprofits, all united by a simple goal: protecting the beaches everyone loves. When nearly a thousand people can collect over a ton of trash in three hours, it proves that environmental stewardship doesn't require superhuman effort, just ordinary people showing up together.

Registration is open now through the city's website, where volunteers can submit waivers in advance to speed up check-in on cleanup day.