Venice Beach Cleanup | On Trail With

Beach Clean-Up

On Trail With Inc. Hosts 5th Annual Summer Beach Clean-Up at Venice Beach

Venice Beach, CA – July 14, 2025 – On Trail With, Inc. proudly hosted its 5th Annual Summer Beach Clean-Up at the iconic Venice Beach, continuing its mission to Keep Nature Wild and Clean. Volunteers of all ages came together to help restore one of Southern California’s most visited coastlines.

Venice Beach, like many areas along the Southern California coast, faces growing environmental challenges. Increasing amounts of litter, including single-use plastics such as bottle caps, straws, and food wrappers, pose a severe threat to marine life and contribute to long-term ecosystem damage. In addition, hazardous debris like syringes, broken glass, and human waste has created serious health and safety concerns for beachgoers and wildlife alike.

Sewage Spills and Beach Closures

In May 2024, over 30,000 gallons of raw sewage were unintentionally discharged into Ballona Creek and subsequently into the ocean, leading to full closures of Dockweiler and Venice Beaches. The spill was caused by a root blockage in a main sewer line in West Hollywood. This incident highlights the vulnerability of coastal areas to sewage system failures and the need for regular maintenance to prevent such occurrences.

Illegal homeless encampments near Venice Beach have been linked to increased pollution levels in beach waters. These areas often lack proper sanitation facilities, leading to the presence of fecal-indicator bacteria in the water, posing health risks to beachgoers. Efforts to address this issue include increased clean-up operations and the installation of additional sanitation services to mitigate the environmental impact.

Impact of Homeless Encampments on Water Quality

Microplastic Pollution

Microplastic pollution on bathing beaches threatens the health of humans and coastal organisms. A study assessing the pollution level and risk of microplastics on Venice Beach found significant contamination, raising concerns about the long-term ecological impact and the need for effective waste management strategies.

In response to these environmental challenges, On Trail With, Inc. hosted its 5th Annual Summer Beach Clean-Up at Venice Beach on July 14, 2025. Volunteers of all ages came together to collect trash, demonstrating the community's commitment to preserving the beach's natural beauty and health. Such initiatives play a crucial role in mitigating pollution and fostering environmental stewardship among residents and visitors.

Community Response and Clean-Up Initiatives

Results

Rooted in the Leave No Trace principle, On Trail With believes that preserving outdoor spaces is a shared responsibility. By engaging volunteers, families, and community partners, the organization ensures that trails, beaches, and natural areas remain safe, clean, and accessible for future generations.

This year’s beach clean-up was not just about collecting trash; it was about raising awareness, inspiring stewardship, and building a community committed to environmental action.

A total of 68 volunteers joined the effort, collecting 210 lbs of trash and leaving Venice Beach cleaner and safer for everyone.