Since its launch in July 2021, the Clean California initiative has resulted in the removal of 3.4 million cubic yards of litter and debris from highways and public spaces across California. This amount is equivalent to filling more than 136,000 garbage trucks. Items collected include 15,500 mattresses and 57,000 tires. The program has also engaged over 72,000 community clean-up volunteers and created thousands of jobs.
The announcement follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent formation of a statewide task force aimed at prioritizing the removal of encampments and providing services and shelter to people experiencing homelessness along state rights-of-way in California’s ten largest cities.
With a budget of $1.2 billion, Clean California is described as one of the most successful environmental efforts led by Governor Newsom. The initiative supports climate resiliency, economic equity, and public safety goals through several measures:
– Maintenance crews dedicated to cleaning highways and public rights-of-way
– Hosting 650 free dump days for urban and rural communities
– Installing 639 pieces of art on highways
– Engaging more than 72,000 community clean-up volunteers according to Keep America Beautiful
– Completing 191 out of 314 beautification projects, including new parks, public art installations, and improvements at transit stations
– Creating approximately 18,000 job opportunities
A total of 110 communities have pledged to become designated Clean California Communities by meeting criteria related to zero litter practices, beautification efforts, and environmental enhancement. Thirty communities have achieved full designation so far.
Governor Gavin Newsom said: “Clean California has become an overwhelming success and a model our state can continue to build on. Yes, we’ve removed hundreds of thousands of garbage trucks worth of trash from our roads and highways, but it’s more than that — we’ve invested in communities all across our state with public art projects and parks, creating thousands of jobs and lifting up countless neighborhoods in need.”
One recently completed project is the Dixieanne Neighborhood Clean and Green Alleys project in Sacramento. Nearly $5 million was used to upgrade 23 residential alleys with permeable pavers, fencing repairs, shade trees, and public art.
More information about these programs can be found at https://build.ca.gov/ for broader state initiatives or https://cleanca.com/ for details on Clean California specifically.
