Best Practices for Preventing Stormwater Pollution
Cleaning & Maintenance: Clean equipment, floor mats, filters and garbage cans in a mop sink, wash rack or floor drain connected to the sewer through a grease trap. Don't wash them or pour wash water in a parking lot, alley, sidewalk or street. Sweep outside areas and put the debris in the garbage, instead of sweeping or hosing it into the parking lot or street.
Recycle oil & grease: Oil and grease wastes can be recycled at the Cedar Rapids Water Pollution Control Plant. Don't pour oil or grease into sinks, floor drains or onto a parking lot or street. Keep grease bins covered and contained.
Dumpster areas: Keep dumpster lids closed and the areas around them clean. Do not fill with liquid waste or hose them out. Call your trash hauler to replace any dumpsters that are damaged or leak. Do not wash down or steam clean these containers unless you collect the water and dispose of it into the sanitary sewer. Hire a mobile pressure wash business to clean these areas and make sure they provide you with a record of proper wastewater disposal.
Managing spills: Use dry methods for spill cleanup, sweeping and using cat litter instead of hosing. Have spill containment and cleanup kits available for possible spills on your property.
Handling toxic chemicals: Dispose of all unwanted toxics materials like cleaners, solvents and detergents through a hazardous waste hauler. These items are not trash. Use non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible.
