(STOCKTON, CA) – With COVID-19 outbreaks on the rise in the Central Valley and other key regions throughout the State, San Joaquin County is currently getting word out to residents that its annual Coastal Cleanup Day event scheduled for September 26 this year has been cancelled out of an abundance of caution to protect citizens from the rapidly spreading virus. The County’s Department of Public Works hopes that the annual clean-up event can be rescheduled for the spring of 2021.

“It is with deep regret that we have decided to withdraw our County’s participation this year from this highly successful event, despite its tremendous success in years past ridding our waterways of unsightly garbage and harmful waste that is detrimental to the environment and overall public health,“ said San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Chair, Kathy Miller. “However, we must err on the side of caution in protecting everyone’s health and safety by avoiding public gatherings where infections might occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Individuals, families, community groups and businesses throughout San Joaquin County have participated in Coastal Cleanup Day since 1999. While the County is not a coastal jurisdiction, its cities, towns and farmlands are surrounded by rivers, streams, pools and inlets that feed into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta where debris is often disposed of, causing potential harm not only to those who recreate but to fish, wildlife and water quality as well.

“People in homes and neighborhoods throughout the County take tremendous pride in the beauty of their Delta surroundings and have shown it time and time again through their committed civic actions,” added San Joaquin County Supervisor Chuck Winn. “Last year alone, more than 800 community volunteers took part in Coastal Cleanup Day and removed 76,677 pounds of trash and debris from local inland waterways. In the process, they reduced the risk to wildlife, improved water quality and enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities for all who live, work, and/or play near our treasured waterways.”

As an alternative to Coastal Clean-Up Day, Public Works officials are asking residents to be resourceful and enhance their own neighborhoods by doing a top-to-bottom household and yard clean up during the month of September.

Public Works reminds residents who are cleaning up their homes and property to dispose of their debris and unwanted items at the Lovelace Materials Recycling Facility and Transfer Station, the North County Recycling Center and Sanitary Landfill, or the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, which are open to the public during normal business hours. The web links also provide a camera feed of facility wait lines. Customers visiting these facilities are required to wear face coverings and observe social distancing measures. Gloves are also strongly encouraged. Only credit, debit and business checks will be accepted – cash transactions are prohibited.

For more information visit sjcleanwater.org or call (209) 468-0219.

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