Pollution Prevention Tips - BMPs
The storm drain system was designed to prevent flooding by promptly carrying rainwater away from homes and streets to the Los Angeles River. It also unintentionally carries household pollutants including oil and other automotive fluids, paint, yard and pet waste, pesticides, litter and more. You can help the City to have clean streets and reduce urban runoff pollution by implementing a few simple Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Household Hazardous Waste Recycling and Disposal
Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) include products that are labeled as toxic, poisonous, corrosive, flammable, or irritating and may be used for cleaning, painting, or lubricating, your car, house, yard, or garage. Huntington Park residents may dispose of HHW and electronic devices for FREE at link ; however you should check for current hours of operation and disposal limitations.
For more information on how to dispose of HHW visit:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Pet Waste: The Problem with your Pup’s Poops!
Pet wastes contain harmful bacteria, virus, and parasites that when left on the patios, driveways, sidewalks, streets, and even lawns, can be washed by rains or irrigation water into storm drains, the Los Angeles River, and onto ocean beaches.
What can you do?
• Regularly, and especially before storms or watering the law, bag up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash to prevent harmful bacteria from washing into the storm drain.
• Make sure to ALWAYS clean up after your pet.
Wash your car at the car wash or on the lawn
While non-commercial car washing is legal, you can help by going light on the soap and water, or better yet use using commercial car wash that recycles water and discharges dirty water to the sanitary sewer. Washing the car on the lawn may also be a good option since it allows the water and pollutants to be absorbed and metabolized by the grass.
Maintain your Vehicle
Poorly maintained vehicles leak fluids on driveways and streets and can contribute to water pollution, if you wouldn’t want the spill on your driveway, time to visit the shop. If you work on your own vehicle be sure to prepare your work area so spills are captured and easily cleaned up. Always recycle used vehicle fluids and NEVER hose them into the street.
Lawn and Garden: Yard Maintenance Can Impact Water Quality
Yard care can contribute to urban runoff and storm-water pollution. Fertilizers can help lawns, but hurt rivers by causing algae to thrive, while pesticides harm beneficial river insects. Over-irrigation and broken sprinklers wash pollutants into the river before street sweepers can capture them.
• Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly and not when rain is forecast.
• Sweep fertilizers, lawn clipping, and soils from driveways and sidewalks and back on to the lawn or planter.
Trash is the most serious, and easily fixed, river & beach pollutant:
• Close the trash bin lid to prevent spillage onto the street.
• Hold your trash until you reach a trash/recycling receptacle.
• Cigarette butts trap toxics and should be safely discarded.
• Use the litter bag in your car for trash, and not the street.
• Teach your children to clean up, by not littering yourself.
Sweep off patios, driveways and sidewalks to save drinking water and prevent pollution. Use power washers sparingly.
There is a connection between your home and the beach. Changes you make at home, can protect the water quality where you play.