Thousands Expected at Coastal Cleanup Day

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the date of the event. The correct date is Saturday, Sept. 19.


Thousands of volunteers will pick up trash along  Los Angeles County beaches and inland waterways as part of the 26th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day.

On Sept. 19, about 10,000 volunteers are expected to  collect ocean-bound trash at more than 50 sites between Compton and Malibu.

Led by the Ocean Conservancy, almost 600,000 international participants  are expected to participate in the yearly tradition the Guinness Book of World  Records calls the biggest single-day volunteer event on the planet.

Statewide efforts are being organized by the California Coastal Commission.

Work in Los Angeles County is being led by the nonprofit Heal the Bay.

Heal the Bay is a nonprofit dedicated to grading beach water quality and  engaging the community to help keep the coastline clean.

It conducts cleanups throughout the Southland and operates the Santa  Monica Pier Aquarium.

"Heal the Bay was founded on the belief that one person can make a  world of difference," Heal the Bay Beach Programs Manager Alys Arenas said.  "It's gratifying to see so many people come out each year to protect what they  love."

Coastal Cleanup Day participants in Los Angeles have collected more  than a million pounds of trash -- roughly the weight of a fully loaded Boeing  747, according to Heal the Bay.

Attendees also receive hands-on education about other ways they can help  keep watersheds clean.

Some cleanup sites are offering giveaways,  entertainment and other special incentives.

For more information about the cleanups, including a map of all sites, visit Heal the Bay. Volunteers are encouraged to bring buckets, reusable bags and gloves.

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