Home Maintenance

The chemicals and other products we use for car and home maintenance – if disposed of improperly – can cause damage to the environment and to our community. The key to keeping our community and environment healthy is by properly disposing of these pollution sources. Avoid accidental pollution discharges by following the tips below.

Pesticides and Fertilizers

Fertilize in the fall!
Avoid applying pesticides and fertilizers when rain is predicted.
Use non-toxic alternatives when possible, such as compost.

Talk to Your Contractor About Preventing Pollution

The addition of compost to your landscape can help address issues with compacted soil and improve the soil’s ability to absorb stormwater.

Ask your contractor how and where they plan to rinse their equipment. or dispose of leftover materials. Provide access to a utility sink if needed to ensure that wash water will not run off the property and down a storm drain.
Ask your contractor where they will dispose of leftover materials, debris and trash. Ensure that items that can blow away or be washed away are covered and secured so that they cannot be blow or washed down a storm drain.
If your project will disturb the soil, cover the area with hay or mulch when work is finished for the day, or before rain to prevent erosion.
Work materials such as concrete, paint or dirt, should never be left where they can wash or be blown into the road and down the storm drain.

Washing Your Car

Take your car to a commercial car wash. Commercial car washes send their dirty water to a waste water treatment plant.

Changing Your Oil

Check your car for oil leaks on a regular basis. Place a piece of cardboard under the car and check it after a few hours.
If you find a leak, take your car to a shop to prevent oil from running into the storm drain.
Dispose of used motor oil at your local household hazardous waste disposal site.

Be prepared for drips when maintaining your car at home. Put down an absorbent mat, like a towel or cardboard, that will soak up whatever drips may happen.

Never dispose of your paints or stains down the drain. Either take it to a collection site or mix it into a solid and dispose of it in the trash.
When painting your house - or anything outside - make sure to pick up any paint chips that may get carried into a nearby storm drain.

Paints and Stains

Household Hazardous Waste

Avoid hazardous waste by purchasing non-hazardous or the least hazardous products.
When using products that contain hazardous materials is unavoidable, make sure to take your waste to the proper drop-off locations near you.