STATEWIDE TRASH PROVISION

The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) was established to protect and improve the quality of California’s water resources. This includes the quality of storm water which directly impacts the health of our watersheds, marine waters, and invaluable ecosystems. On April 7th, 2015 the State Water Board adopted statewide Trash Provisions to address the harmful impacts of trash in our creeks and rivers. 

What?

This Trash Provisions calls for the prevention of all pieces of trash 5mm (the size of a cigarette butt) or greater from entering the storm drain system by 2030.

Why?

The sewer system and storm drain system are two completely separate networks. The storm drain system allows rainwater during storms to flow directly to the nearest creek or river untreated. Pollutants such as trash, oil, soap, sediment, or other contaminants can enter our waterways. 

For more information from the State Water Board, please visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/trash_control/documentation.html#:~:text=The%20Trash%20Provisions%20do%20the,set%20a%20time%20schedule%20for