Clean California – Zero Litter is the Goal.

For all of us, this generation and the next, there is simply no place in our lives for litter. And yet, it’s everywhere we look, and unfortunately, it does belong to all of us. So, let’s come together, and create a litter-free, clean California once and for all. Let’s do it. Together.

Picture your favorite spot in California. Now, imagine just one piece of litter ruining that picture. Together, let’s change that.

CONGRATULATIONS! First 30 Clean California Communities Named!

We’re excited to celebrate the first 30 California communities officially designated as Clean California Communities! This achievement was made possible through the teamwork and dedication of residents, local organizations, and partners—congratulations to all!

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Join us for Clean California Community Days from April 19 – 22, 2024, a volunteer service event and celebration to clean up and transform our communities. Zero litter is the goal.

Find An Event Near You

Clean California Community Days, April 19 – 22, 2024.

Join us for a volunteer service event and celebration sponsored by the Governor’s Office, Caltrans, and our partners across California with cleanup events, dump days, and tree planting.

Get Involved

Enjoy the benefits of becoming officially designated

Trash has plagued California’s streets and highways for decades. Clean California makes significant investments in litter collection, community engagement, and education to ultimately transform unsightly roadsides into spaces of pride for all Californians.

Access to personalized signage and other exclusive materials.
Recognition on state websites and social media posts, and media outreach.
Priority access to national grant opportunities, membership with Keep California Beautiful, and much more!
Right to officially promote your community as a Clean California Community committed to the Zero Litter goal.
Automatic membership with state organization, Keep California Beautiful.

View Community Highlights

Program Summary [English] Program Summary [Spanish]

Clean California Pledges and Communities

We are proud of the dedication California communities have shown in their efforts to achieve the Clean California Community designation. Explore all the cities and communities committed to reducing litter, enhancing public spaces, and creating a cleaner, greener California. Use the interactive map to see if your community is included.
Don’t see your community listed? Take the pledge today and start your journey toward becoming a Clean California Community!

California communities that have achieved the Clean California Community designation.

California communities that have taken the pledge toward achieving the designation.

This is truly a statewide effort with projects awarded throughout California and nearly a third of the funds going directly to cities, counties, tribes, and transit agencies to clean local streets and public spaces.

Young boy wearing rubber gloves and holding a trash bag while picking up a soda can in a residential neighborhood

Get Started

Review the requirements

To attain the CleanCA Community designation, communities must meet at least 10 of these 15 criteria. See additional Frequently Asked Questions here.

Take the Pledge

The first step to earning the designation is to take the Clean CA pledge. This shows your community’s commitment to maintain a clean, green, and vibrant community for the well-being of all residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any community within California is eligible to apply.

The designation can be pursued by various entities, including cities, towns, counties, municipal districts, military bases, neighborhood groups, school districts, houses of worship areas, community group service areas, business improvement districts, watershed groups, and other unincorporated entities. Typically, an organized entity with a leadership structure is a good starting point. If you’re unsure about your community’s eligibility, feel free to reach out to designation@cleanca.com and ask!

Engage your community and work towards meeting 10 of the 15 criteria within a year of signing. If you have already achieved these requirements, or have questions about meeting the criteria, please get in touch with us at designation@cleanca.com for the next steps.

Yes! Guidance resources will be available for communities. Please reach out to us at designation@cleanca.com if you’d like to request support or have questions.

Get Involved

Become A CleanCA Partner

We’re looking for partners across various sectors who are eager to support Clean California’s mission.

Cleanup Events

Find cleanup events in your area, check details, locations, and sign up to join the Clean California movement.

Community Designation Program

Nominate your local community here! Learn what it takes to be designated and how your community can benefit.

An image featuring vibrant colored stationeries arranged creatively, with lively and playful lettering spelling out the word 'Education'.

Clean California Education (K-12)

Clean California isn’t just about cleanups. Let’s educate the next generation about the benefits of a litter-free state!

Become A CleanCA Partner

We’re looking for partners across various sectors who are eager to support Clean California’s mission.

Cleanup Events

Find cleanup events in your area, check details, locations, and sign up to join the Clean California movement.

Community Designation Program

Nominate your local community here! Learn what it takes to be designated and how your community can benefit.

Clean California Education (K-12)

Clean California isn’t just about cleanups. Let’s educate the next generation about the benefits of a litter-free state!

Litter Collected

Start of program to date*:

cubic yards

*Combined collection from:

Clean California: 1,115,187 cubic yards

Caltrans Maintenance: 2,202,197 cubic yards

Testimony 1 - Jim

Caltrans takes such good care of our mountain roads (especially after snow storms and rock slides) that I consider it a 'privilege' to work alongside to keep our roads litter-free

Jim L.

Testimony 2 - Kyle

Because of Back 2 Work, I now have the best job in the world... My life has done a complete 180.

Kyle W.

Testimony 3 - Anon

Great program, and great way to contribute to our community.

Anonymous responder

Testimony 4 - Anon

We love Adopt-A-Highway! It's tough work that is so gratifying! Thank you! Our local Caltrans coworkers supporting the program are fantastic.

Anonymous responder

Testimony 5 - Rudy

We are so blessed. I never would have gotten any of these things in life without the help of these programs.

Rudy

District 6, Fresno

Testimony 6 - Fresno

Here in Fresno, we’ve seen a sense of pride return to our city with thousands of people coming together to improve Fresno’s curb appeal, block by block. Last year’s CleanUP Day was a resounding success with nearly 14,000 pounds of trash removed. I’m grateful to our volunteers who sacrifice their time, rain or shine, to make Fresno a more beautiful place for all, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish this year.

Jerry Dyer

Fresno Mayor

Testimony 7 - San Diego

For the past 69 years, I Love a Clean San Diego has inspired/engaged millions of volunteers to keep the County clean and beautiful through community cleanups, education initiatives, and connecting residents and businesses with recycling, waste, and reuse resources. We’re excited to contribute to the Clean California campaign and are encouraged by the progress made statewide to eliminate litter in the state and ensure that every Californian lives in a clean community.

Lance Mann

Volunteer Programs Coordinator, I Love A Clean San Diego