FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SOLANO COUNTY, CA (April 21, 2026) – A grand total of 11 sites hosted 262 volunteers around Solano County for the 12th annual Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday. This year, volunteers collected 4,356 pounds of trash and 135 pounds of recyclable beverage containers.
Not only did volunteers prevent litter from flowing from Solano County’s waterways into the ocean, but they also helped contribute to California’s goal of an 80% recycling rate for all aluminum, glass, plastic, and bimetal beverage containers sold in the state.
On Saturday, volunteers fanned out across sites in all seven cities in the county and collected a wide range of litter, from plastic bottles to discarded fishing line to a pile of tires. Many were equipped with trash pickers provided by the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, burlap sacks for carrying trash provided by Moschetti Coffee, and fueled by Lara Bars provided by Sprouts Farmers Market, thanks to a donation from the Sierra Club of Solano County.
Gaby Bermudez, Volunteer Services Manager with the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, stated that “we are so proud to support and encourage volunteers to participate in Solano County’s Earth Day Cleanup. We enjoyed volunteering and contributing to keeping Solano clean and beautiful!”
At the Andrews Park site in Vacaville, several groups came out to volunteer together, including employees from Amazon and Levi’s, and students from The Academy of 21st Century Learning. One volunteer, Tatiana, noted that “it’s really good to see so much of the community come out and clean the main park in town.” Volunteers Beth and Cindy at McGary Road in Vallejo were glad to be out helping and expressed how they liked to “give back to the community [they] love so much.”
Human impact on our oceans starts here in Solano County if we don’t take action. Litter ends up in smaller waterways, like creeks, and can flow out into the San Francisco Bay, and eventually the Pacific Ocean, harming wildlife and damaging marine habitats. Events like the Earth Day Cleanup help prevent this negative impact. Residents of Solano County can also take action in their everyday life by picking up litter in their neighborhoods, recycling their CRV containers, and disposing of their pet’s waste properly.
Over twelve years, Earth Day Cleanup volunteers have been responsible for collecting 65,241 pounds of trash and 2,631 pounds of recyclable beverage containers, making a major impact in caring for our planet.
“This cleanup event really brings the community together. Businesses, schools, non-profits, community groups, and individuals want to see our waterways and open spaces clear of litter, and it’s amazing what an impact that collective action can have,” said Robyn Slater, Earth Day Cleanup Coordinator with Solano Resource Conservation District.
Community members who want to participate in another cleanup this year can also gather at Lake Solano for World Environment Day on Saturday, June 6th. That event will focus on cleaning up Lake Berryessa, the county’s major drinking water source, as well as enjoying activities such as tours of the demonstration garden with Putah Creek Council and making wildflower seed packets to take home. Lunch will be provided to all registered volunteers. Learn more about these cleanups at cleanupsolano.org.
Solano Resource Conservation District coordinates the annual Earth Day Cleanup in partnership with the Cities and County of Solano, Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Vallejo Watershed Alliance, Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District, Solano Land Trust, and volunteer site leaders. Additional support is provided by the Sierra Club Solano Group, Sprouts Farmers Market in Vacaville, the Center for Volunteer and Non-Profit Leadership, 95.3 KUIC, and the California Coastal Commission. Cleanupsolano.org provides up-to-date information all year long about countywide community cleanups organized through Solano Resource Conservation District: Earth Day Cleanup (April), World Environment Day Cleanup (1st Saturday of June), and Coastal Cleanup Day (3rd Saturday of September).
###
About CVNL
Since 1964, CVNL has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. Passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. That’s why we work with leaders and volunteers every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level. We offer comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers, including Learning & Leadership certificate programs and training, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer matching, and corporate engagement. Heart of Marin™, Heart of Napa™, and Heart of Sonoma County events support nonprofits of every size and mission through recognition and cash awards. Other programs and services include the Sonoma County Human Race, Secret Santa, Court Referral Program, and Paratransit. We provide disaster preparedness training and serve as an Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC), overseeing spontaneous volunteers and donations for Napa, Marin, Sonoma, and Solano Counties in the aftermath of a disaster. We believe that with confident and prepared leaders and volunteers, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy, and more equitable communities. Visit www.cvnl.org to discover more.
