Trash and other waste on the ground can easily get swept into storm drains. Always throw away trash properly, because who wants to swim in cigarette butts?

Dispose of Litter Properly

Dispose of cigarette butts, coffee cups, food wrappers, plastic bags, paper goods, bottles and cans in proper receptacles. Any stray trash can be washed into storm drains and eventually get to our beaches and oceans. (Remember to clip six-pack rings and dispose of them properly – they can strangle ocean wildlife.)

Leaves, Grass Clippings, Brush Waste

Compost your grass clippings (or leave on the lawn as fertilizer) and yard waste or bring it to your town’s transfer station. Yard waste that ends up on the street clogs storm drains.

Volunteer to Pick up Trash

Trash on sidewalks and roads washes into storm drains when it rains. You can volunteer to pick up trash in your community or do it on your own whenever you see trash that should be picked up.