Since its launch in July 2021, the Clean California initiative led by Caltrans has removed 3.4 million cubic yards of litter and debris from highways and public spaces across the state. This amount is equivalent to more than 136,000 garbage trucks filled with trash, including items such as 15,500 mattresses and 57,000 tires. The program has also involved over 72,000 community clean-up volunteers and created thousands of jobs.
The announcement comes after Governor Gavin Newsom recently established a statewide task force focused on removing encampments and providing services and shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness along state rights-of-way in California’s ten largest cities.
The $1.2 billion Clean California effort is considered one of the most successful environmental initiatives introduced by Governor Newsom. The program supports goals related to climate resiliency, economic equity, and public safety. Key aspects include maintenance crews dedicated to cleaning state highways and public areas, hosting 650 free dump days in both urban and rural communities, installing 639 pieces of art along highways, organizing more than 314 beautification projects (191 completed), creating about 18,000 job opportunities, and engaging volunteers through partnerships such as Keep America Beautiful.
A total of 110 communities have pledged to become designated Clean California Communities by meeting specific criteria for zero litter, beautification efforts, and environmental enhancement; thirty have achieved full designation so far.
Governor Gavin Newsom stated: “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 recent project highlighted was the Dixieanne Neighborhood Clean and Green Alleys project in Sacramento. Nearly $5 million was spent to improve 23 residential alleys in Old North Sacramento with new pavers, fencing repairs, shade trees, and public art aimed at enhancing the area for community gatherings and encouraging active transportation.
More information about ongoing projects can be found at https://build.ca.gov/ or https://cleanca.com/.
