Protecting our watersheds requires community commitment! You can be a good steward of our watersheds (and County) by helping to keep them clean for everyone to enjoy.  

Clean beaches, creeks, rivers, and the ocean are important parts of Ventura County’s beauty. Thank you for getting involved in preventing trash and litter from entering our waterways.

This free, downloadable PDF is designed to assist anyone in our community who is looking to make a real, positive impact on our water quality.

Spread the Word on Social Media

Your social media platform is a great way to share important messages with your network. Remind your followers how Every Litter Bit Matters!

Encourage others to properly dispose of their trash around their neighborhoods with these free, shareable social media graphics.

Ventura County is home to many like-minded organizations looking to keep our county and waterways clean and protected.  

Save the Date for Coastal Cleanup Day in September 2022! During the 2021 cleanup, over 2,125 volunteers participated and picked up 19,503 pounds of trash and recyclables. Check the Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day website for details, or follow @CleanWatershed on Facebook and Instagram for cleanup event announcements.  

Check in with one of the organizations below to find an event in your area: 

 

Beach cleanups start at our own front doors. Trash can travel through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become beach pollution. Get your family and friends involved to make a big impact close to home! 

Preparation 

  • If you are sick in any way, DO NOT go out for a cleanup. Check out the latest Ventura County Public Health Orders here: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/  
  • Assemble your own cleanup gear, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This should include trash bags or buckets, gloves, face mask, a trash grabber or tongs (if available) and sun protection.  Close-toed shoes are recommended to protect against sharp objects.  
  • Download the Clean Swell app (available for free on all platforms) to keep track of what you pick up and how many people participated with you. If you do not have a device capable of using the app, you can download the data card from the Coastal Commission’s website. 

 Cleanup 

  • ALWAYS wear gloves – disposable if available – and dispose or wash them immediately after your cleanup.  
  • Avoid touching your face. 
  • Do not pick up sharp objects, especially syringes! 
  • Don’t pick up anything too heavy or anything that you will not be able to fit into your home debris bin.  
  • In parks and natural areas, follow all posted signage, stay on trails, and limit activities to areas open to the public 
  • If you clean up a local beach or waterway, be mindful of the conditions (such as high tide, sneaker wave warnings, etc.), and be careful near the water’s edge. 
  • Keep a safe distance from all wildlife! 
  • Do not pick up or disturb natural objects, such as leaves, nests, or eggs.  
  • Avoid over-exertion, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. When in doubt, come in early! 

After Cleanup 

  • Dispose of trash in your home debris bin. 
  • Dispose or wash gloves immediately after your cleanup. To properly remove disposable gloves, grab the glove opening near your wrist and pull towards your fingers, then turn the glove inside out before disposing. 
  • Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible, and use hand sanitizer in the meantime if soap and water are unavailable. 
  • Show us your cleanup! Post your pictures on Instagram and Facebook and show how your community is participating. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #everylitterbitmatters and #keepventuracountybeautiful.