Surfrider San Diego’s Beach Cleanup (BCU) Program had an incredibly impactful year in 2024, mobilizing thousands of volunteers and removing substantial amounts of debris and trash from local beaches. With the most cleanups, volunteers engaged, items collected, volunteer hours, and miles of beach cleaned than in previous years, our collective effort in 2024 highlights the power of community-driven action in our Chapter’s last line of defense for the protection of our ocean, waves, and beaches.
We have seen a slight decrease in the total number of pounds of trash removed in 2024 compared to 2023 – from 12,823.5 pounds to 12,093 pounds. At the same time, we collected over 119,000 more individual items during cleanups than in the previous year. This apparent contradiction may be explained by the significant increase of small and lightweight, yet highly detrimental waste found in 2024. For example, 40% more cigarette butts and 33% more plastic fragments were collected in 2024 compared to 2023.
Community Engagement: With over 10,000 volunteer engagements during 2024, volunteer turnout remained strong, reflecting growing public awareness and a desire to act against marine pollution.
Plastic Pollution: A consistent and appalling fact is that 8 out of every 10 pieces of trash collected were plastic. This reinforces the importance of policy initiatives and enforcement of those already in place aimed at reducing plastic waste at their source. We understand that knowing which laws are in place at the state, county and local level can sometimes be confusing, and further deter those concerned about this issue from advocating for compliance. This is why our Chapter prepared a detailed list of both state plastic laws and policies per city in San Diego County, and the appropriate contact to report non-compliance in each city.
Smoking-Related Debris: Cigarette butts continue to be one of the top items found at cleanups since we started tracking data in 2007, indicating a need for better enforcement of the laws already in place across the county.
The consistent, if not increasing, amount of trash and debris found during cleanups clearly indicates that we can’t clean our way out of this mess. This is why BCUs biggest ripple in support of cleaner beaches and water comes in the way of data collection and public awareness. The data collected by thousands of volunteers empowers Surfrider San Diego Programs like Rise Above Plastics, as well as a committed network of policy advocates to support important coastal advocacy work, campaigns, and legislative initiatives to reduce these pollutants upstream.
At a smaller yet fundamental level, beach cleanups create a profound individual impact. By participating in a cleanup and collecting tens or hundreds of pieces of trash, volunteers can develop a much deeper sense of care for our beaches and coastal ecosystems, as well as heightened urgency to protect them. Moreover, volunteers inspire a ripple effect within their communities– when others see someone cleaning the beach they enjoy, they’re less likely to litter and will perhaps avoid bringing disposable items altogether the next time they visit.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in or supported the 2024 Beach Cleanup Program. From our dedicated team of Site Captains to the thousands of volunteers who joined us for one or more cleanups., your dedication fuels our mission to protect and enjoy our ocean, waves, and beaches — and makes it all possible.
We are extremely excited to not only continue our efforts but widen our reach in 2025. Of special note is our Beach Cleanup Program’s first recurring public cleanups outside the beach — Downtown! These cleanups will be hosted in public spaces at or near the waterfront such as Ruocco Park, Embarcadero Marina Park (North and South), and more.