A Guide to Beach Cleanups in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obsipo’s coastline is a gem of California's Central coast, spanning over 80 miles of epic waves and idyllic beaches. Behind the scenes of these beautiful shorelines, is a strong effort from community members dedicated to keeping them clean.

There are several organizations committed to protecting SLO’s coastline, offering community members a plethora of opportunities to participate in beach cleanups.

Beach Cleanups in San Luis Obispo

Earth Shine

Earth Shine is a local organization specifically dedicated to keeping the central coast garbage-free!  

Hosting clean up days every second Saturday of the month on the Central Coast and every third Saturday of the month at the River Walk in Paso Robles, they do their part in supporting trash-mitigation efforts in the community. 

Join them for a traditional beach clean up, or attend a river walk to collect trash before it gets a chance to wash downstream into the ocean.  

View their schedule here: Earth Shine Clean Up Days 

Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (EcoSLO)

Across the wider San Luis Obispo area, extending from Avila Beach to Cayucos Pier, the Environmental Center of San Luis Obsiopo (EcoSLO) hosts frequent beach cleanups. 

Spend a rewarding day picking up trash at the beach— EcoSLO will provide supplies, water, and snacks. They recommend you wear closed-toed shoes and layers, and bring your own reusable water bottle. 

Check out their upcoming beach cleanups and other ECOevents here: EcoSLO Events 

The Central Coast Aquarium Independent Beach Clean ups 

Finding yourself frequently unable to attend weekend beach clean ups but still passionate about keeping your local coastline clean? The Central Coast Aquarium's independent beach cleanup program has got you covered. 

A Beach Cleanup Corner complete with all the supplies you could need to take on a spur of the moment clean up, gloves, bags, trash-grabbers—- is right by the Aquarium’s front door. Supplies are readily available Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm. 

After your day of trash collection, return to the Aquarium, and they will show you how to sort waste, and record the amount of trash you collected!  

Revive Dive’s Volunteer Clean Ups 

Last year alone, Revive Dive removed over half a ton of trash from beneath local piers— in a very unique way. Volunteers put on scuba gear, and picked up trash underwater. 

Revive Dive recognizes the importance of surface level beach clean ups, but they go a bit deeper. Revive Dive volunteers make it a priority to pick up pieces of trash that are out of sight, and without scuba gear— out of reach. 

Fill out this form to sign up as a volunteer clean up diver!

California Coastal Cleanup Day- Creeks to Coast

California Coastal Cleanup Day began in 1985, when the California Coastal Commission decided it was about time a statewide effort against coastal pollution was taken. 

This day is celebrated across California, and many Coastal communities host events on this day in order to participate. In SLO, the largest of these events is called Creeks to Coast, which brings together hundreds of local volunteers. Last year, this event collected over 7,000 pounds of trash. 

More information on this year's Creeks to Coast clean up here!

The Bottom :

There is no shortage of opportunities to participate in a beach clean up in SLO! 

Whether you're scuba diving under polluted piers, joining your fellow community members in Pirate Cove, or doing a spur-of-the-moment cleanup using supplies from the Aquarium, you can do your part in protecting SLO’s beautiful coastline.