You can protect the Bay from trash | San Francisco Baykeeper

Volunteer to Protect the Bay from Trash

trash San Francisco Bay needs your help. Trash is a serious pollution problem for the Bay, and we’re seeing a big uptick in disposable waste and plastics littering sidewalks and shorelines. Baykeeper is asking supporters to take action by cleaning up in your own neighborhood or nearby parks and shorelines. Help stop trash before it reaches the Bay!

Plus, we have an easy-to-use mobile app where you can tell us how much and what kinds of trash you collect. This sampling data helps Baykeeper advocate for stronger trash protections for the Bay.

Will you pledge to collect actionable trash data for San Francisco Baykeeper?

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Guidelines for a Safe Trash Cleanup

1. Where: Choose a Bay shoreline, beach, creek, park, storm drain, or city street near you that is open to the public. Note that since these cleanups are self-directed, you will be responsible for disposing of collected trash at your residence

2. Why: Trash pollutes the Bay and can entangle or poison wildlife. Many more single-use items like plastic bags, takeout containers, and gloves and masks are littering shorelines. It’s important to monitor these increases and take action to stop trash from getting into the Bay.

3. How to track my trash: Install The Water Reporter app—for i Phone or Android—and follow San Francisco Baykeeper.

If you don't have a smartphone, you can use the desktop version of The Water Reporter.

By following San Francisco Baykeeper you can share before and after cleanup photos and collect critical data to help Baykeeper's advocacy efforts.

4. What to plan for your cleanup kit:

Gloves and hand sanitizer
Grabbers or tongs
Sturdy trash bags
Snacks and plenty of water
Sunscreen and sunglasses and/or a hat
Sturdy close-toed shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty

5. Important safety precautions:

Wear gloves and use a grabber or tongs to pick up trash. Don't pick up syringes or other sharp objects, dead animals, or human waste.
Separate hazardous waste like batteries and paint, and take them to a hazardous waste dropoff center
Dispose of or wash your gloves and thoroughly wash/sanitize your hands after the cleanup.
Stay home if you are sick. For detailed instructions on protecting yourself and your family from COVID-19, refer to, CDC guidelines.

Below is a map of some of our favorite cleanup locations. Please make sure to check if your chosen location is open to the public before heading to your cleanup site.

6. Share and inspire our community

Show us how you’re protecting the Bay from trash pollution by posting a photo, story, or video on Facebook or Instagram and tag @sfbaykeeper #CoastalCleanupDay, #beachcleanup #sfbaykeeper.

If you have questions, please email events@baykeeper.org.

Liability waiver: By participating you understand and agree that neither San Francisco Baykeeper 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.