Here’s what you can do around your home to help prevent or reduce the potential for stormwater pollution:
Auto fluids – If you change your vehicle's motor oil at home, dispose of used motor oil and filters at a certified used motor oil collection center such as a national auto parts store or hazardous waste collection site. Don’t pour used motor oil on the ground, on a driveway, or down a storm drain. If there is a spill, clean it up by pouring kitty litter on the fluid and discard it at a household hazardous waste facility.
Trash/Recycling – All of our consumer products are packaged; packaging creates heaps of garbage. Properly dispose items where they belong: in the garbage can or recycling bin.
Sediment – Help keep yard soil from washing away due to watering or rain by laying mulch or bark around your plants.
Yard chemicals – Fertilizers and pesticides that make your yard beautiful can pollute stormwater. Fertilizers also can promote harmful algae growth. If you must use these products, look for less or non-toxic alternatives and don’t apply them if rain is forecasted.
Thank you for helping to reduce pollutants in California’s waterways through your everyday activities!