The San Diego Clean Beach Coalition expects recycling rates to soar again Labor Day Weekend
September 1, 2010 — San Diego, CA – The San Diego Clean Beach Coalition is preparing local beaches for an increase in both visitors and trash this Labor Day weekend. While City infrastructure proves sufficient to collect debris on typical weekends, the large invasion of beachgoers over busy holiday weekends creates a need for heightened attention to litter prevention. To help, the Coalition acquires sponsors to support the purchase and placement of more than 200 temporary trash and recycle bins for major summer holidays, 45 of which are used over Labor Day weekend.
Earlier this year, the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department reported that crews removed 197 tons (394,000 pounds) of trash from the bins over the 4th of July weekend. Recycling diversion rates soared, with an additional 27 tons (54,000 pounds) collected in recycling bins placed conveniently on the shore. As beachgoers make the sustainable choice to recycle when given the opportunity, this indicates a need for increasing opportunities for recycling on the beach year-round.
This weekend, beachgoers can find the temporary trash and recycling bins on the sand in the areas of Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Bay Park and Pacific Beach.
The Clean Beach Coalition, which consists of local environmental organizations, community groups, and government agencies, has come together for the third consecutive year to raise awareness of beach litter issues and prevent marine debris. Clean Beach Coalition member agencies include: FreePB.org, I Love A Clean San Diego, San Diego Coastkeeper, the San Diego Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, and the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department.
This year, they raised close to $15,000 from local businesses and government agencies, including Think Blue, City of San Diego Storm Water Department, San Diego County Board of Supervisors – Pam Slater-Price, and Pacific Beach Shore Club. In addition to coordinating the bins, the Coalition also develops education pieces to spread awareness about preventing marine debris. This included “Don’t Forget Your Trash” posters and prevention announcements on local radio stations.
More information about the San Diego Clean Beach Coalition member agencies as well as businesses that have helped to support this year’s efforts is available at www.cleanbeachcoalition.org.
The San Diego Clean Beach Coalition is a collaboration of local non-profit organizations and city agencies focused on coastal stewardship, raising awareness of beach litter issues, and preventing marine debris.
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