Why Trash is Bad for Water Quality

One of the most visible pollutants entering storm drains and littering our waterways is trash. Trash and debris from streets, parking lots, neighborhoods, businesses, and construction sites can accumulate in storm drains and ultimately end up on our beaches. Fast food wrappers, cigarette butts, bottles and cans are a few of the most commonly found trash items polluting our waterways. Not only is trash an eyesore, but can harm aquatic habitats and life.

How to Reduce or Prevent Trash From Reaching Our Waterways

• Throw litter in designated trash bins only. Avoid throwing even the smallest piece of litter on the ground, despite how insignificant it looks all litter accumulates into a big problem for waterbodies.
• Make sure trash stored in truck beds is secure and cannot blow away.
• Recycle, recycle, recycle. It not only saves landfill space, but protects our natural resources. You can recycle plastics, metals, glass and newspaper in the convenience of your own home through the City’s Curbside Recycling Program
• If you see litter, pick it up. If everyone started cleaning their neighborhoods, people would be less likely to litter and we’d have cleaner communities.
• Make sure your trash can lids are on tight. Loose lids can be knocked or blown off easily, allowing litter to scatter on the street.
• Household Hazardous Waste cannot be thrown out with your regular garbage; it must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. These hazardous wastes are harmful to the environment and can cause a lot of pollution if not properly disposed. For further information, click on the link, or call Waste Management at (760) 439-2824.

What the Laws Say about Trash

It is illegal to litter and recycling is required by law.

Contact

Report any water running in the street when it is not raining or someone dumping something in the storm drain or curb and gutter by calling (760) 435-4500.

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