Launched in 1984 as the “Plague of Plastics,” the first statewide beach cleanup in the U.S. rallied volunteers to stop 52,000 pounds of litter from reaching the ocean. Today, the Beach & Riverside Cleanup spans the coastline, riverbanks, parks, and neighborhoods across the region. Held each September, it wraps up summer by removing litter before fall rains wash it into storm drains and waterways, helping protect rivers, wildlife, and the ocean downstream.
September 18-27, 2026
Beach & Riverside Cleanup
The 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup spans three environmental days with national and international importance. Events kick-off right before International Coastal Cleanup Day and culminate the following weekend with National Public Lands Day on September 26 and World Rivers Day on September 27.
Get Involved
Discover a diverse array of projects, each designed to address specific environmental needs. From beach cleanups to litter pickups, and from restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings to weed pulls and mulching projects, each initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing the ecological well-being of our surroundings.
Volunteer
As projects are created, they will be listed on our volunteer site providing an opportunity for individuals and groups to contribute their time and make a meaningful impact.
Check our Volunteer Site for an event near you.
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Lead an Event
Projects can be held any day between September 18 and September 27.
Ready to host your first SOLVE event? Join a quick virtual orientation to get started.
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Sponsor
Contribute to the success of the event by exploring sponsorship opportunities.
Learn more about how you can align your brand with a meaningful cause by visiting our Sponsorship page.
2026 Partners
