Trash knows no boundaries . . . it is found on our beaches and can be carried to the ocean through our waterways! Unfortunately California’s Central Coast is no exception to the litter problem; our beaches and rivers need your help. Debris removal is an important way to stop marine debris before it reaches the ocean. If you'd like to take direct action, our debris removal programs are just for you!

During all beach and river cleanups organized by SOS, volunteers collect data on the amounts and types of trash we remove. This data provides SOS with key insights into the sources of our local debris problem. Check out the data that SOS has collected since April 2007.

---

Our Trash Removal Programs provide volunteers with the opportunity to help SOS stop debris before it reaches the ocean:

• Monthly Cleanups: We welcome everyone to participate in our public beach and river cleanups throughout Santa Cruz and coastal San Mateo counties.
• Private & School Cleanups: Get your feet wet by participating in a one time cleanup with your civic group, classroom or business. These cleanups are a more in-depth experience as they include an educational presentation.
• Adopt-A-Beach: Groups looking for more than just a one time cleanup can choose to adopt a beach in Santa Cruz County and make a commitment to cleaning it three times a year. We welcome any school, civic or business groups to participate.
• Community Cleanup Days: Keeping our beaches clean requires the help of the whole community. SOS organizes both Annual Coastal Cleanup Day and the July 5th Star Spangled Beach Cleanup during the busy summer season.

See below for SOS' mandatory Beach Cleanup Waiver Form. All participants must have a signed waiver to participate in any of our cleanups. At all public cleanups, SOS will have waiver forms at the check-in table but if you want to save time and/or you are bringing a youth group of participants under 18 please download the form ahead of the event and hand it over as you check-in at the cleanup.