How To Prevent Stormwater Pollution

 

Cigarette Butts & Other Trash

• Put your cigarette butts and other litter in garbage bins
• If there is no garbage bin handy, hold onto your litter until you find one
• Pitch in and help clean up littered areas
• Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris like concrete and mortar

Hazardous Waste & Solvents

• Use hazardous substances (paints, solvents, cleaners) in the smallest amounts possible
• Store substances properly
• Clean water based painting supplies over soil
• Filter and reuse paint thinner
• Dispose of excess paints during household hazardous waste collection programs
• Clean up spills immediately
• Dispose of solvent waste by following the instructions printed on the label

Swimming Pool & Spa Care

• Drain your pool only when the test kit does not detect chlorine levels
• Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system
• Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area

Lawn & Garden Maintenance

• Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly
• Select native plants and grasses that are drought tolerant and pest resistant
• Compost or recycle yard waste
• Cover piles of dirt and mulch to prevent them from washing into drains
• Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas
• Plant grass or vegetation where soil is exposed

Stormwater Pollution Committee

If you would like to become involved in the Stormwater Pollution Committee, please call 315-682-9171.