Wastes generated from carpet and upholstery cleaning activities are a source of stormwater pollution. Rinse water can contain detergents and other cleaners that degrade water quality.
Best Practices for Preventing Stormwater Pollution
Dispose of wastewater properly: Wastewater from cleaning equipment must be discharged into a sink, toilet, or other drain connected to the sanitary sewer system within sanitary sewer discharge limits, or hauled off and disposed of properly. Wastewater should never be discharged into a street, gutter, parking lot or storm drain.
Filter wastewater: Carpet cleaning wastewater should be filtered before discharging it to the sanitary sewer since fibers and other debris in the wastewater can clog pipes. The filtered material can be disposed of in the garbage, as long as the waste is not contaminated with hazardous pollutants.
These guidelines apply even if the cleaning products are labeled “nontoxic" or “biodegradable." Although these products may be less harmful to the environment, they can still have harmful effects if they enter the storm drain
