Residential
Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil and other auto fluids. Do not pour them onto the ground or into storm drains.
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Lawn Care
Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.
- Do not overwater your lawn.
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
- Compost or mulch yard waste. Do not leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams.
- Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.
Watch a video about lawn care.
Auto Care
Washing cars and degreasing auto parts can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the materials directly into a waterbody.
- Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.
- Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations.
Pet Waste
Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local water. If you own a pet, you are responsible to clean up after it. In some cities, failure to clean up after your pet may result in fines.
- When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.
- Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method.
- Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risk by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies.
Watch a video about pet waste.
Septic Systems
Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that can be swept into nearby waterbodies by storm-water. Pathogens can cause health problems and environmental concerns.
- Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3 to 5 years).
- Do not dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.
Proper Pool Draining & Disposing of Chemicals
Swimming pool and spa water can contain chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, water conditioners, stabilizers and other chemicals which are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Make sure you or your pool company develops a process to keep back flush water on-site.
Do not recycle or throw away pool chemicals in regular household trash. Feel free to contact Pinal County Public Works on how to properly drain pool/spa water and dispose of chemicals.