Join the Mission to Protect Our Waterways: 32nd Annual Trash Bash® Set for March 2026
The health of the Galveston Bay watershed depends on the collective action of the communities that surround it. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, thousands of residents will gather for the 32nd annual River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash®. This massive effort spans 16 sites across the Greater Houston area, mobilizing volunteers to remove debris from the bayous and shorelines that form the backbone of the local ecosystem. From longtime participants to first-time volunteers, the goal remains a focused, hands-on cleanup of the waterways we all share.
A Legacy of Community Impact
What started in 1994 as a modest collaboration between the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has blossomed into a massive regional movement. Originally launching with just seven sites and 3,000 volunteers, Trash Bash® now spans 16 locations across the Galveston Bay Watershed.
The cumulative impact is significant. Since its inception, more than 117,000 volunteers have successfully diverted over 2,400 tons of trash, 11,965 tires, and 22.53 tons of recycling from the local environment. In the 2025 cleanup alone, over 2,400 participants cleared 58 miles of shoreline, collecting 38 tons of trash and demonstrating the scale of what a coordinated community effort can achieve.
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Where to Make a Difference
The 2026 event features an array of collection sites, ensuring that residents from Jersey Village in Northwest Houston to the coast can participate close to home. Clean up sites for this year include:
- Armand Bayou (Bay Area Park)
- Bastrop Bayou (Capt. Mark's Bastrop Marina)
- Baytown Nature Center
- Brays Bayou (Mason Park)
- Buffalo Bayou (Bear Creek Park)
- Dickinson Bayou (Highway 3 Bridge)
- Galveston Bay – Seabrook (Bay Elementary)
- Highland Bayou (Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park)
- Kuhlman Gully (Satellite of Brays Bayou)
- Little White Oak Bayou (Moody Park)
- Sims Bayou (Glenbrook Park)
- White Oak Bayou – Ermel Elementary
- White Oak Bayou – Jersey Village
A Family-Friendly Day of Stewardship
Trash Bash® is more than a cleanup; it is an educational experience designed to foster environmental awareness. Nearly half of all volunteers are under the age of 18, including a strong showing from local Scouting BSA and Girl Scout troops. Scouts can satisfy service hours or advancement requirements while learning about the management of our local wetlands.
The event is managed by the Texas Conservation Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, with coordination from H-GAC and financial support through grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency via the TCEQ.
How to Get Involved: Registration and Safety
Participating in this half-day event is straightforward, but preparation is required. Most sites begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude by 12:00 p.m.
Registration Steps
- Choose Your Site: Review the specific site information forms to find a location that suits you.
- Sign Up Online: Registration is now open. Ensure you register for the specific site you plan to attend to ensure proper coordination.
- Complete the Waiver: Every volunteer must submit a signed waiver. Minors require a signature from a parent or guardian.
- Safety Guidelines: Organizers emphasize that safety is a priority. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are mandatory—sandals and flip-flops are not permitted.
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Because the cleanup takes place in natural habitats, volunteers should stay alert for local wildlife, such as snakes or alligators, and wear sunscreen and insect repellent. While gloves and bags are provided, participants are encouraged to use the buddy system and work in groups of two or three.
Join the Movement
Trash Bash® 2026 offers a unique opportunity to see the direct results of community service. By removing tires, plastics, and household hazardous waste, volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the Galveston Bay watershed.
For more information on how to register and get involved, visit the Trash Bash® website at trashbash.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
