Real numbers, real neighborhoods, real impact. See what LocalCleanup volunteers have done across San Diego.
City Heights Cleanup on January 21, 2026
City Heights Cleanup on January 21, 2026
LocalCleanup rotates through San Diego neighborhoods to spread our impact across the city. We currently serve 5 neighborhoods and add new locations based on community interest.
Transparency and accountability are central to our mission. We track four key metrics at every event to document our progress and share results with our community.
Every piece of litter removed from San Diego streets is one less piece that enters the ocean. San Diego County storm drains carry an estimated 30 million pounds of trash to the Pacific Ocean each year. By cleaning inland neighborhoods, LocalCleanup volunteers intercept waste at the source, before it reaches waterways and harms marine wildlife.
Many of the neighborhoods we serve sit upstream of storm drain systems that flow to Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Removing litter from streets and parks prevents plastic, cigarette butts, and food packaging from entering these waterways.
Research from Keep America Beautiful shows that community cleanup events can reduce neighborhood litter by up to 60% within one year. Visible cleanup activity encourages residents to keep their own streets clean, creating a positive cycle of community stewardship.
At each event, volunteers sort recyclable materials including plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass containers from general waste. This keeps recyclable materials out of landfills and reduces the overall environmental footprint of the litter we collect.
Every volunteer, every event, and every donation makes our impact stronger. Volunteer with us or support our mission with a donation.
Research shows community cleanups don't just remove trash. They reduce crime, improve mental health, increase property values, and build social cohesion. Here's what the data says.
LocalCleanup TeamSan Diego storm drains carry 30 million pounds of trash to the ocean annually. Learn how inland litter contributes to coastal pollution and what neighborhoods can do about it.
LocalCleanup TeamOn November 23rd, we returned to North Park Community Park alongside Dharma Bum Temple for our first-ever collaborative cleanup. 9 volunteers, 58 pounds of trash, and a full-circle moment.
LocalCleanup Team