Port of San Diego Calls for Volunteers for 36th Annual Operation Clean Sweep in Partnership with the San Diego Working Waterfront
Contact: Josh Kellems, 619.642.1153, jkellems@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego and San Diego Working Waterfront invite the public to participate in the 36th annual Operation Clean Sweep on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at various locations around San Diego Bay. Following the cleanup, volunteers are invited to an afterparty from 10 a.m. to noon at Shelter Island Shoreline Park North to celebrate their efforts.
Operation Clean Sweep is one of the region's largest volunteer cleanup efforts and focuses on removing trash and debris from San Diego Bay, its shorelines, and the waterways that flow into the bay. Volunteer divers, boaters, paddlers, and walkers are needed at public and private cleanup sites throughout the Port's five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego, which includes Barrio Logan, the Embarcadero, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, and Shelter Island.
“Providing coastal access for all includes protecting the health of San Diego Bay and everyone that comes to enjoy it,” said Chair Ann Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “The Port of San Diego is proud to support events like Operation Clean Sweep, which brings volunteers together from across the region to keep San Diego Bay thriving. We are grateful for our partners at the San Diego Working Waterfront and all volunteers who are making a positive impact on our waterfront.”
San Diego Working Waterfront President Sharon Cloward, who has attended every Operation Clean Sweep event, said maintaining the environmental integrity of San Diego Bay is a number one priority.
“For 36 years, the passion our waterfront tenants have shown for this event has made a remarkable difference for the quality of the water and the adjacent land of San Diego Bay,” said Cloward. “This cleanup was started by the Marine Trades 36 years ago and was incorporated into the San Diego Working Waterfront because the work we do matters. I could not be prouder of our sponsors, our partners and our workers for what they do to make San Diego Bay a beautiful, clean working waterfront for everyone to enjoy.”
Operation Clean Sweep regularly draws over 1,000 volunteers each year. Many cleanup locations are family-friendly, and youth and members of the military can earn community service hours by participating. Cleanup supplies, including gloves, bags, and trash pickers at select locations, will be provided. Each registered volunteer will also receive a free commemorative t-shirt. Following the cleanup, volunteers are invited to an afterparty at Shelter Island Shoreline Park North, featuring hosted food, music, opportunity drawings, youth activities, prizes for the most unusual items collected during the cleanup, and other family-friendly festivities.
Those interested in volunteering can learn more and register HERE. To register, volunteers must complete a waiver and bring a signed copy to their chosen cleanup site.
Operation Clean Sweep is hosted and organized by the San Diego Working Waterfront (SDWW). The Port of San Diego is the partnership sponsor. Many long-time and founding members of the SDWW are annual sponsors and include title sponsor R.E. Staite Engineering Inc. Additional sponsors are General Dynamics NASSCO, Bartell Hotels, Solar Turbines, Gaylord Pacific, VIGOR Marine/CM San Diego, BAE Systems, San Diego Bay Pilots, Dole, City Cruises, Tate & Lyle, Marine Group Boat Works, and the Maritime Museum. Trash sponsors Republic Services and EDCO make sure tons of trash are hauled away. More than 50 Port tenants and partners support and participate in Operation Clean Sweep each year.
ABOUT THE PORT OF SAN DIEGO
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 23 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.