Operation Clean Sweep volunteers to beautify, compete for unique trash

More than 1,000 volunteers are expected to pitch in and pick up trash in and around San Diego Bay for the 35th annual Operation Clean Sweep on Saturday. Operation Clean Sweep is hosted and organized by the San Diego Working Waterfront. In past years, volunteers have combined to pull more than 10 tons of trash and debris from the bayfront.

Volunteers can choose their preferred cleanup site, including the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Barrio Logan, Coronado, Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.

After spending two hours on the morning beautification effort, there are rewards for volunteers. This year’s after-party will be on Shelter Island. There’ll be food trucks, T-shirts, giveaways and a soccer activity.

One highlight of the after-party is the “Most Unique Trash” contest, open to all participants who unearth unusual finds.

Last year’s winner discovered part of a car hood, according to San Diego Working Waterfront Director of Operations and Events Summer Benton.

In the past, volunteers have entered the contest with computers, electronics, half of a hundred dollar bill and — hello — a red British-style telephone booth, she said.

One volunteer has participated in 25 of the previous 34 Operation Clean Sweeps.

For information on how to volunteer and specific locations of the cleanup areas, visit Operation Clean Sweep online.