More than 50,000 volunteers will remove trash from coastal beaches and waterways in the state’s largest annual cleanup event. (photo courtesy of the California Coastal Commission)

Join the 42nd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m.-noon.

More than 60 California state parks and the state Division of Boating and Waterways are participating in the annual volunteer event, in coordination with the California Coastal Commission. Approximately 50,000 volunteers are expected at more than 700 cleanup sites statewide. Whether picking up trash along the coast, beside a river or at a lake, every piece of litter removed makes a difference.

“California’s coast and waterways belong to all of us, and Coastal Cleanup Day is a great way to give them a little love,” California State Parks Deputy Director of Boating and Waterways Ramona Fernandez said. “It’s also a fun way to get outside, connect with your community and make a difference, one piece of trash at a time.”

Cleanups are being held along the coast in Santa Monica, Venice, Marina De Rey, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. Heal the Bay is participating in the cleanup effort. A Heal the Bay cleanup at Santa Monica Beach Site at Lifeguard Tower 1550, just north of the pier, will offer special sponsor activations by FOX Baywatch, a giveaway popup from Tower 28 and free ice cream from Salt and Straw.

Wilshire Rotary is also participating in the coastal cleanup on Sept. 19 at Mother’s Beach, 4101 Admiralty Way, in Marina Del Rey. All Rotarians, families and neighbors are invited to join the effort.

Approximately 75% of the debris collected during Coastal Cleanup Day is plastic, which can harm wildlife, introduce toxins into the environment and make its way into the food chain. Trash left far from the coast also travels through creeks, rivers and storm drains before reaching the ocean.

Last year, nearly 40,000 volunteers removed more than 358,000 pounds of trash from California’s beaches and waterways. State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways also partnered with 44 boating facilities and groups to collect more than 14,000 pounds of trash and recyclables on land and from in the water via kayaks, canoes and dinghies.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring reusable gloves, buckets and refillable water bottles. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear, and check with the local cleanup site for registration details.

For a list of cleanup sites, visit healthebay.org/coastal-cleanup-day. For information, visit coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html.