Do's & Don'ts of storm drain pollution

Do…

1. Place litter in trash cans.
2. Take household toxic fluids to a hazardous waste collection facility.
3. Dispose of pet waste in trash.
4. Maintain your car and look for possible leaks.
5. Clean up spills with an absorbent material, such as kitty litter, and dispose of it properly.
6. Sweep up yard debris and place in trash bins. Leaves, lawn clippings and other green waste should be placed in recycling containers – or better yet, compost it!
7. Water your lawn for shorter durations. If your lawn is thirsty, water more frequently, but again, for shorter lengths of time.
8. Clean water-based paints from rollers, pans and brushes in your sink. Take all unwanted thinner, paint and related materials to a household hazardous waste collection facility.

Don’t…

1. Litter.
2. Dump oil, antifreeze and other chemicals down the storm drain.
3. Leave pet waste on lawns, streets or in public places for a long period of time. Feces and harmful bacteria can be washed into storm drains by rain or overwatering.
4. Allow your cars to leak fluids. These fluids end up in our streets, which are then washed into storm drains with seasonal rain.
5. Allow oil or paint spills to accumulate on driveways or sidewalks. The next rain or watering will carry them into the storm drain.
6. Wash leaves, twigs and dirt into storm drains. Though these are natural materials, an abundance can cloud water, increase bacterial growth and naturally pollute the water.
7. Overwater your lawn. Runoff water carries fertilizers and pesticides into storm drains.
8. Wash out paint brushes, pans or rollers in gutters.