@Pengweather

One Man’s Mission to Clean Up the Bay Area: A Story of Civic Duty and Hope

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us found ourselves endlessly scrolling through videos—but for Andy, a San Francisco Bay Area resident, those hours spent on YouTube sparked a calling. Inspired by volunteers cleaning rivers and individuals maintaining storm drains, he decided to take action in his own community.

His journey began along Altamont Pass, where he noticed an overwhelming amount of litter during his daily commute between Livermore and Tracy. What started as a personal effort to clean up that stretch of road soon expanded into a mission to tackle illegal dumping sites across the Bay Area.

The Cost of Making a Difference

Volunteering isn’t always free— he has spent over $3,000 on supplies, gas, and dumping fees. While local Public Works departments often help dispose of collected trash, there have been times when he’s had to rent a truck and pay landfill fees himself.

Mixed Reactions—But Mostly Silence

Unlike viral cleanup stories filled with cheering crowds, his work usually goes unnoticed. Occasionally, someone recognizes him from Reddit or Instagram, while others scoff, saying, “Bro, it’s Oakland—this place will be trashed again in an hour.” But he doesn’t mind the solitude.

Small Wins Keep Him Going

Illegal dumping can feel like a never-ending battle, but there are victories. One of his most notable successes is a marshland cleanup in Vallejo, which has stayed trash-free for over a year.

How You Can Make a Difference

For those inspired to take action, he offers practical advice:

Join a group: Many cities have organizations that welcome volunteers.

Adopt-a-Spot/Block/Highway: Cities like Oakland and San Francisco offer programs with free supplies.

Go solo: If you prefer independence, be prepared to invest in tools and navigate bureaucracy for trash disposal.

His story is proof that one person’s effort can create lasting change—even if it’s one bag of trash at a time.

 

Follow his cleanup efforts on Instagram: @pengweather