Trash & Litter
We’ve all seen it: paper, aluminum cans, plastic wrappers, unwanted food, plastic bags and bottles, cigarette butts, diapers and more on the side of the road or on the sidewalk. Small amounts of litter around your home and neighborhood contribute to a big water quality problem. Trash and litter clog storm drains and cause flooding, which can damage homes and businesses. Trash and litter that does pass through the storm drain or travel down a drainage ditch washes directly into nearby rivers and streams, harming drinking water supplies, wildlife and recreational use of our rivers and streams.
When it Rains, It Pollutes! (brochure)
What can YOU do?
- Never put anything in the storm drain or drainage ditch.
- Properly dispose of trash before it becomes litter.
- Keep garbage can lids secure.
- If you see litter and trash in your neighborhood, pick it up and properly dispose of it.
- Organize or participate in a river cleanup. Go to riversalive.org to find a cleanup near you.
- Get the word out! Participate in a storm drain stenciling or marking event. Email info@cleanwatercampaign.com for more information.