Volunteers hit the beaches for post-Fourth of July cleanup

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — Volunteers with three environmental groups are scheduled this morning to pick up trash left on San Diego beaches over the three-day holiday weekend.

The Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Coastkeeper and I Love a Clean San Diego will sponsor the cleanup beginning at 8 a.m. at the Ocean Beach Pier, Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach, Belmont Park in Mission Beach and the Oceanside Pier.

“We need volunteers to help make sure the trash left behind during the fourth of July festivities doesn’t enter the ocean,” said Mandy Sackett of Surfrider.

“We are so lucky to have such beautiful beaches to visit in San Diego. It’s important to keep them pristine.”

According to Surfrider, 650 volunteers collected 1,410 pounds of trash and 362 pounds of material for recycling at last year’s cleanup. The garbage
included 489 plastic bags, 983 pieces of polystyrene and 14,796 cigarette
butts.

The first 50 volunteers at each site will get a free hat. Snacks will be available at each site, and prizes will be given away, according to Surfrider.

Minors will need to be signed in by a parent or legal guardian.