As we wrap up another year of community cleanups, we’re excited to share the results of our 2025 Trash-Champion Contest, a celebration not just of pounds collected, but of the incredible people who continue to show up month after month to care for our Village.
November closed out as our second-biggest month ever, with 421.18 pounds of trash removed from our streets, trails, and public spaces. Even more exciting, we welcomed 51 new volunteers to the effort. With their help, our lifetime total has climbed to 4,554.09 pounds, proudly surpassing our 4,500-pound milestone. And this year alone, we’ve removed 1,771.11 pounds from the Village.
This year’s contest brought out some truly dedicated neighbors, and we’re thrilled to recognize our top three participants. Kristen Renteria earned the top spot with 135.54 pounds collected across four cleanups. As the winner and a Carlsbad resident, she will receive six free months of trash service courtesy of Republic Services. We’re incredibly grateful to Republic for generously offering this award and for supporting the spirit of volunteerism in our community.
Our heartfelt congratulations also go to Chris Immel & Son, who collected 108.90 pounds, and Bailey & Grandma Amy, who gathered 98.74 pounds over five cleanups. Their dedication was undeniable, and we’re honored to recognize both teams with gift cards as a thank-you for consistently showing up and making a real difference.
This contest has been one of the highlights of the year, a reminder that small actions, when done together, add up to something powerful. To every volunteer who picked up a bucket, joined a cleanup for the first time, or returned month after month: thank you. Your hard work keeps the Village looking cared for, welcoming, and truly reflective of the people who live here.
Here’s to another year of community, connection, and showing what can happen when we all pitch in. Our 2026 Clean-Up schedule will be available soon.