San Diego Coastkeeper


Tips for the Home

How you can help prevent polluted runoff

 

Shopping and Disposal

  1. Know what's harmful
    Products labeled "Caution" are usually the least toxic. "Warning" means moderate toxicity; and "Danger," "Poison" or the skull and crossbones indicates extreme toxicity. Remember, if it is harmful to you, it is also harmful to wildlife at the other end of the pipe.

  2. Dispose of it properly
    Any liquid, solid or gaseous product labeled toxic, flammable, corrosive, irritant or poison is household hazardous waste. It is illegal to dispose of these products in the storm drain, sewer system or regular trash. For proper disposal information, call your local hazardous waste hotline number. Fire departments usually have information and can be of assistance.

  3. Avoid toxic products
    Find alternatives to toxic household and gardening materials such as aerosol products, chemical cleaners, bleach, thinners, solvents, pesticides herbicides, fertilizers and products with chlorinated compounds, petroleum distillates, phenols and formaldehyde.

  4. Look for safer alternatives
    Purchase products that are nontoxic, not petroleum based, free of ammonia, phosphates, dye or perfume, readily biodegradable, and whose containers are recyclable.

  5. Don't overbuy products
    Purchase only the amounts you need, especially of products containing hazardous or toxic materials.

  6. Don't be a drip when caring for your car
    Oil and other car fluids pose a serious threat to the health of waterways and the ocean. Prevent stormwater from polluting our waterways with fluids from your car:

  7. Maintain you car regularly
    • Fix leaks
    • Use a drip pan when changing car fluids
    • Mop up spills with sawdust or kitty litter before they pose a problem
    • Wash your car at a car wash that recycles and reuses its water. If you do it yourself, use a biodegradable soap and pull the car onto a patch of grass or gravel rather than increasing the flow of water in the gutter
    • Remove fine black dust from hubcaps with a damp paper towel or soft cloth. Dispose in regular trash. The dust contains copper and zinc.
    • Conserve water by using a bucket of water instead of a running hose to wash and rinse the car.
    • Carpool - reduce auto transmissions by taking public transportation, ridesharing and using alternative forms of transportation wherever possible.