LITTER
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
WHAT CAN I DO? | GETTING INVOLVED | TRASH FACTS | STATEWIDE TRASH PROVISION
SANTA ROSA | WINDSOR | HEALDSBURG | CLOVERDALE | UKIAH | GUERNEVILLE
LITTLE CHANGES HAVE A BIG IMPACT
We can unknowingly impact local waterways through everyday activities. The Storm Drains you see in our streets, yards, and parking lots, flow untreated directly to local creeks, rivers, bays and the Pacific Ocean. Any litter left outside can be transported by storm water runoff, locally supplied water (i.e. sprinklers), or wind.
If you take a moment to think about it, that small piece of trash that has been sitting in the gutter with the addition of water, and in some instances wind will travel directly into our creeks. The good news is there’s a lot we can do, with some simple changes, that will have great impact.
Check For Litter After Pickup Day
After your local waste hauler services your trash bins on pickup day, it is a good practice to inspect the frontage of your property for any trash or debris that may have fallen out. Occasionally, lighter materials may float away when the garbage truck tips the bin to empty your trash, recycling, or compost.
Prioritize Reusable Bags
Prioritize using reusable bags when going to the grocery store or when packing for that picnic or day trip. Plastic bags can easily float away in the wind and enter our waterways where they slowly photodegrade into harmful microplastics.
Ensure Trash Cans Are Covered
Always make sure you trash cans are covered with the lid closed. Overflowing trash cans are susceptible to wind blow trash escaping and entering the street or storm drains.
Know Your Drains
Do you have a backyard drain? These help drain rain water from your backyard and often lead to a curb cut which flows into the street, gutter, and eventually the storm drain system. It’s important to know where these are to make sure trash and other debris does not accidentally make it to our creeks.
Keep A Trash Bag In Your Vehicle
Free floating trash in your vehicle is easy to forget about when you roll down the windows or a passenger steps out. It’s a good idea to always have a trash bag or somewhere secure to put that wrapper while in your vehicle. One of the main sources of trash on our highways and City streets is from trash accidentally flying out of the inside of a vehicle.
Know Your Street Sweeping Day
It’s important to know your street sweeping day in order to move vehicles, trash receptacles, or any other items that may impede the street sweeper from cleaning the gutter. Street sweepers are an important tool for cities to ensure their streets are free or trash or debris that may enter the storm drain system during a rainstorm. (View Recology sweep days here. View Sonoma County Resource Recovery days schedule here.)
Empty Trash In Your Car
It’s always good practice to discard any trash or free-floating debris in your vehicle. Remove food and paper waste, empty packaging, and used bottles when you stop at a gas station or any business with receptacles nearby. One of the main sources of trash on our roadways comes from drivers inadvertently allowing litter to fly out when the windows are down.
Cover Your Load
It’s a California State Law to have your loads covered when operating vehicle on streets. Trash and debris from an uncovered load can fly away while driving your vehicle and eventually make its way to our storm drain system and waterways. Tips for covering your load
