https://youtu.be/EZEjSCNgov8?si=xO4eP6CRag9JFA9a
In this episode of the Bad Lines Podcast, we sit down with longtime friend and Clean-Dezert founder Adam Filbin to talk about trash, tacos, and turning a good time into something that gives back.
If you’ve ever received a Clean-Dezert sticker in a Bad Lines order, you already know the two communities go hand-in-hand. From their roots on the Desert Rangers forum to hauling junk Mustangs out of the desert, Adam’s story is about more than just cleanup—it’s about proving that off-roaders care.
From 1450 Party Kid to Cleanup Pioneer
Like many of us, Adam started in the 1450 MDR scene—the wild west of half-built pre-runners, white fenders, and campfire carnage. But while the trucks were fun, the trash piling up in places like Barstow wasn’t.
So in true DIY fashion, Adam rallied a few friends, threw together a barbecue, and started picking up garbage. No permits. No plans. Just showing up and getting it done. That first cleanup back in the mid-2000s had maybe 40 people—and it sparked something bigger than he expected.
Building the Culture: Raffles, Camaraderie, and Cleanups
The genius of Clean-Dezert wasn’t just in cleaning up trash—it was in making it fun. The idea was simple: broke kids who couldn’t afford truck parts could show up, help out, and maybe win something useful in a raffle.
Bump stops, beams, shocks—it didn’t matter. The raffle gave people a reason to come, but once they were there, the reward of seeing a trashed-out wash turn into a clean patch of desert kept them coming back.
By 2009, Clean-Dezert events were pulling 300-400 people and filling dumpsters. It wasn’t just a cleanup—it was a movement.
Setbacks and the Nine-Year Hiatus
In 2010, everything changed. The tragic MDR California 200 accident at the Lucerne night race cast a shadow over the entire off-road racing scene. Adam, who had previously organized snow fencing for crowd control, found himself pulled into legal proceedings despite not racing that year.
The burnout was real. Clean-Dezert went quiet. Adam sold his truck, started a family, and shifted focus. But the fire never really went out.
2019: The Comeback
After nearly a decade away, Adam fired Clean-Dezert back up in 2019—and it blew past every expectation. Over 700 people showed up. The mission was clear: keep public lands open and prove that the off-road community isn’t the problem—it’s the solution.
That year also marked the beginning of the Bad Lines and Clean-Dezert partnership. From cooking tacos to organizing gear, it’s been a shared mission ever since.
Barstow, Hodge Road, and the Reality of Desert Dumping
Whether it’s a blown-out mattress or an entire car, illegal dumping in places like Barstow and Hodge is rampant—and it’s rarely from off-roaders. It’s household trash, construction debris, even commercial waste. And despite the effort, it keeps coming back.
So what’s the fix?
The answer: education, visibility, and leading by example.
“Just show up. Just pick up one can,” Adam says. “If one person hears this and starts a cleanup—even if it’s just with their buddies and a pickup bed—that’s already a win.”
How to Start Your Own Cleanup
Want to get involved? Adam breaks it down:
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Pick a date and commit. Accountability is key.
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Start small. You don’t need 400 people. You need five friends and a dumpster—or even just trash bags.
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Make it fun. A trail run + cleanup + tacos = success.
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Ask for help. Sponsors, local shops, even other groups like Bad Lines, CORVA, or Tread Lightly can amplify your impact.
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Don’t get discouraged. It’s not about filling dumpsters—it’s about showing up and doing more than nothing.
Looking Ahead: Clean-Dezert 2025 and Beyond
While the future event schedule isn’t set in stone, Adam made one thing clear: Clean-Dezert will continue. Whether it’s a big Barstow cleanup or supporting other groups with knowledge and resources, the goal is still the same—keep the desert open and the trash out of it.
With support from people like Tim at Audiotistics (who helped launch a satellite cleanup in Apple Valley), or the ever-growing family of off-road volunteers, Clean-Dezert’s impact is only getting bigger.
Final Thoughts
From forums and fender flares to families and future generations, Clean-Dezert is proof that the off-road community gives a damn.
As Adam puts it:
“Off-road is family. You don’t leave anyone behind—and you don’t leave the desert trashed.”
If you’re inspired, consider hosting a cleanup, sharing this episode, or just throwing a trash bag in the bed of your rig. It all adds up.
Follow Clean-Dezert: Instagram | Clean-Dezert.org Support the movement: Rock the sticker. Pack the sack. Bring the crew. Listen to the full episode: Bad Lines Podcast — Available on Spotify and YouTube