Join volunteers around the world for the largest cleanup event of the year!
Each year Save Our Shores coordinates between 50-70 cleanup sites around the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, from the coast to our inland parks and waterways.
Trash and pollution impacts the health of our marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems.
We hope you will join us as we come together as a community to make the Monterey Bay a healthier place for all!
Call for Sponsors!
Become a proud sponsor of the largest volunteer cleanup event on the planet—right here in the Monterey Bay region. By supporting Save Our Shores' Annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 20th, your organization will play a direct role in protecting our coastlines, empowering local volunteers, and demonstrating your commitment to environmental stewardship. Sponsors receive recognition across digital event materials, aligning your brand with meaningful impact and wide visibility.
Thank you for partnering with us to create a cleaner, healthier ocean for all.
Be a Site Captain!
What is a site captain? Site captains make this event possible! They take on the role of leading a cleanup at a site, this entails bringing cleanup supplies provided by SOS to the location, checking in volunteers, providing the safety and data collection instructions, and returning all supplies, waivers, and data to Save Our Shores after your cleanup event. Site captains are required to attend one of two virtual training sessions hosted by Save Our Shores.
Join us and be part of the biggest beach cleanup and volunteer event of the year!
Volunteer on Coastal Cleanup Day
Follow the steps below to register as a volunteer and prepare to join the biggest cleanup event of the year!
Step 1
Register
Step 1: Register to volunteer at your favorite outdoor space. Each site has details on the registration form for the check in location. If you do not see a site listed it means that location is full, please choose another site. If you have a large group please contact volunteer@saveourshores.org before you register to ensure there is space at your desired location.
Stay tuned for volunteer registration to open later this summer!
Step 2
Complete Your Waiver
Complete a digital waiver and bring the confirmation email with you to the event. Having this completed in advance will save you time when you arrive at the cleanup. If you are unable to complete the waiver in advance, paper waivers will be available for you at all cleanup locations.
*Minors must have a waiver completed by a parent or guardian.
Waivers will be available here in English and Spanish, stay tuned for volunteer registration to open later this summer!
Step 3
Get the App
Download the free Clean Swell App from the Ocean Conservancy to collect data on the types of trash you find. Once downloaded create a login and sign in to the app to ensure it works properly. If you are unable to download the app, paper data cards will be available at all cleanup locations.
Step 4
Gear Up
Bring your own gear if you have it! Help us reduce our use of disposables by bringing work gloves, buckets, and trash grabbers. If you do not have supplies, disposable gloves and trash bags will be available at all locations.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself too! Bring a filled reusable water bottle, plastic-free snacks, sun protection, and closed toed shoes so you are ready to take on the day in comfort.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
By participating you understand and agree that neither Save Our Shores, the State of California,
California Coastal Commission, nor associated jurisdictions may be held liable or responsible
in any way for any injury, death, or other damages to you or your family, heirs, or assigns that may occur
as a result of your participation, or as a result of product liability or the negligence,
whether passive or active, of any party in connection with the cleanups.