#1 Automotive Care
- Inspect and maintain your car regularly to prevent oil, antifreeze and other fluid leaks.
- Take used motor oil, antifreeze, and other fluids to an automotive center, gas station with a recycling program or to your town recycling center.
- Use kitty litter or sand to soak up leaks and spills and dispose of in the trash.
- Never dump oil or hose oil spills into storm drains!
#2 Washing the Car
- Washing your car on a paved surface can result in harmful chemicals flowing directly into storm drains. Instead, use a commercial car wash that treats and recycles water or wash the car on your lawn.
#3 Hazardous Home Chemicals
- Dispose of any hazardous home chemicals at approved waste collecting centers. Contact your town for procedures in your area: Southold, Riverhead, Shelter Island
- Use the least toxic products in your home and yard.
#4 Driveway Care
- Collect debris from your driveway and sidewalk with a broom and dispose of properly.
- Do not hose debris off of driveway onto the street. Dirt, oils, and pet waste can go directly into local bays from street storm drains.
#5 Leaves and Grass Clippings
- Pick up and dispose of leaves properly.
- Mulch grass clippings when mowing.
- Start a compost pile.
- Never use storm drains to dispose of yard waste.
#6 Lawn Care
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly, if at all. Follow directions on the manufacturer’s label and NEVER apply if rain is forecasted.
- Keep fertilizers and pesticides off impervious surfaces where they will be washed away.
#7 Maintain Septic Systems
- Maintain your septic system. Have it pumped or inspected every five years.
- Do not dump toxic chemicals into your toilet since it will damage the septic system.
#8 Pet Waste
- Collect your pet’s waste with a scooper and dispose of it in the toilet or trash. Look for pet waste receptacles at parks and other public areas.
#9 Recycling and Trash Disposal
- Recycle paper, cans, glass and plastic through available curb side pick- up services or at your local recycling center.
- Don’t dump trash on the street. It will be washed into storm drains and our local waters.
#10 Spread the Word
- Educate your family, friends and neighbors.
- We all are the Solution to Stormwater Pollution!
Thanks to Mark Cappellino of Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Suffolk County Stormwater Management Program for this information. Please visit the following web site for more information on the County's program: www.co.suffolk.ny.us/stormwater.