How you can help reduce stormwater pollution

Put rubbish in the bin

Litter is a major problem in urban areas. Rain and wind collect much of the litter on the street and washes and blows it into the stormwater system which drain into local waterways.

Here’s how you can help:

	Always dispose of rubbish, including plastic bags, takeaway food containers, soft drink bottles and cigarette butts, in the rubbish bin.
	Buy products with less packaging to reduce waste and recycle where you can.
	Sweep footpaths and collect litter – do not sweep or hose it down the drain.

Put your dog droppings in the bin

When dog’s droppings enter the waterways they increase the level of bacteria in the water and can make it unsafe for swimming.

Here’s how you can help:

	At home encourage your dog to go in your garden
	When you're out walking your dog carry a plastic bag and put the droppings in the bin or compost

Sweep up your garden waste

Leaves, grass clippings and soil that enter stormwater end up in our waterways. Even though they are natural, they affect water quality by adding too many nutrients. Sediments such as soil and sand can also cause the water to become muddy or cloudy allowing less light through the water. This impacts on plant growth.

Here’s how you can help:

	Sweep or rake up your leaves and clippings and put them in the compost or on the garden as mulch (never use your hose as a broom)
	Cover piles of sand and soil to prevent them washing into waterways
	Build barriers around your garden beds to contain soil
	Replant areas of exposed soil
	Ensure appropriate sediment and erosion control measures are in place when undertaking building or renovation activities

Wash your car on the grass

If you wash your car in the street or on the driveway, you can wash detergents, mud, oil and grease directly into the stormwater system.

Here’s how you can help:

	Try to wash your car on a grassy area or over gravel
	Try to use minimal detergents
	Use a bucket and empty the soapy water down the sink or toilet
	Never pour substances such as oil down the drain
	Maintain your car to ensure that there are no fluid leaks.

Use fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides carefully

Herbicides and insecticides are poisonous to wildlife. Fertilisers can cause algae to grow in the waterways.

Here’s how you can help:

	Use garden chemicals sparingly and only in dry weather
	Hose fertilisers into the lawn.

Dispose of paint, cleaners and other chemicals thoughtfully

Oil, paint, cleaners and chemicals are poisonous to plants and animals living in the water.

Here’s how you can help:

	Recycle or dispose of oil and chemicals properly. Up to 20 Litres of motor oil can be taken to Great Lakes Council’s landfill sites where it is recycled. This service is free of charge.
	Store large amounts of oil and chemicals within a covered and bunded (a low wall which prevents spills from spreading) storage facility
	Used cooking oil should be stored in a container and disposed of in the rubbish bin.

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Last Updated 31 August 2005