San Diego environmental organizations, community groups, and others united as the San Diego Clean Beach Coalition (SDCBC) are asking locals and visitors to help prevent the unsightly and dangerous pollution problem that plagues our beaches and bays during Fourth of July in San Diego, and other summer holidays.

After 4th of July in San Diego last year, volunteers picked up over 4,000 pounds of trash and 28,000 cigarette butts from the sands of six beaches throughout San Diego County. Thanks to the support of local sponsors, the Coalition has purchased over 125 temporary trash and recycling receptacles which will be placed strategically throughout Mission Beach, Mission Bay, and Pacific Beach. These bins will give beachgoers an easy and convenient solution to disposing of their trash.

"Litter on the beach is not only an eye sore for San Diego but it can be harmful to people and marine life,” said SDCBC member Bill Hickman. "No one wants to be cut their foot on a can or sharp object that may be left behind. We also want to prevent litter from becoming marine debris where some birds, fish and turtles can mistake it for food with dire consequences."

The SDCBC formed last year to develop and execute a comprehensive plan to prevent beach litter during the holiday. The coalition is a joint partnership between I Love A Clean San Diego, San Diego Coastkeeper, the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, FreePB.org, and City of San Diego lifeguards, police, and park rangers.

Insider Tip: Locals and visitors can also pitch in by helping clean the San Diego beaches of trash after the Fourth of July weekend at the “Morning After Mess” beach cleanup event on Monday, July 6. From 8am to 11am, the Morning After Mess event will organize volunteers to assist workers picking up the massive amounts of trash left at five beaches in San Diego, ranging from Oceanside to Ocean Beach. For more info, visit cleanbeachcoalition.org.

Clean Beach Coalition sponsors include: San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, Keep California Beautiful, the American Chemistry Council, Lahaina’s Beach House, Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge, Vavi Sport & Social Club, Pacific Beach Shore Club, Mi Casa, Sempra Energy, and City Council District 2.

Before the mess come the parties. Couple beach fun with rooftop sass at the Best Fourth of July Parties in San Diego.