By Staff Reports
More volunteers are needed for the annual Coastal Cleanup Day, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 21. Each year, Santa Clara County volunteers fan out to creek sites throughout the county to clean up trash along the waterways during Coastal Cleanup Day. Trash in creeks can ultimately wind up in our bays and the ocean, landing on California’s coastline.
Many volunteers have already registered, but more are still are needed to clean up the 44 creek cleanup sites.
Last year, in Santa Clara County, 1,748 volunteers covered more than 77 miles of waterways and collected 34,803 pounds of trash and 9,774 pounds of recyclable materials. Some of the more interesting items found were a fire extinguisher, a safe door, a fireworks mortar launcher, a truck rack, a voodoo doll, a blonde wig, a propane tank, a convertible 1962 Dodge, an exercise ball and a set of dentures.
In past cleanups, the most common types of refuse encountered have been fast food cups, plastic bags, aluminum cans, Styrofoam packaging, and snack food wrappers.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves and sunscreen and to bring their own pick-up sticks, a reusable water bottle and gloves. First-aid supplies, trash bags, water and refreshments will be provided. Gloves will also be provided to those folks that don’t bring their own.
Interested volunteers can find a map of local cleanup sites and waiver of liability forms at www.cleanacreek.org. Pre-registration is required at most sites. Individuals, clubs and classes are welcome to volunteer, as well as those looking to fulfill community service requirements. All youth younger than18 must have a parent/guardian signature on a Waiver of Liability form and will also need adult supervision for the entire event.
