Prevent Pollution

When it rains, stormwater runs off roofs and pavement into the grates in the street called "catch basins." Most catch basins connect to storm drains that discharge the runoff, without treatment, to the nearest brook, river, pond or ocean. As stormwater runs over the ground it can pick up pollutants such as motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, pet waste, cigarette butts, cleaning agents, pesticides, fertilizers, trash, paint, yard clippings, and sand, among many other things. Car washing, lawn watering and the direct dumping or leaking of material into catch basins can also contribute to pollution of the waterways. Here are some things you can do to prevent pollutants from getting into catch basins.

• Sweep up and remove litter and sand from sidewalks and driveways to prevent these materials from being carried into catch basins by snowmelt and stormwater runoff. Dispose of these materials in the trash.
   

• Collect leaf litter and yard clippings and donate them to a local community garden for use as compost.
   

• Use landscaping fertilizers and pesticides sparingly or not at all. To help prevent chemical runoff into catch basins, landscaping chemicals should not be applied when rain is forecasted.

• Use dry methods such as sweeping, absorbent towels or cat litter to clean up outdoor spills. If not hazardous, place the material in the trash. A spill should never be hosed into a catch basin.
   

• If you must hose down an area, direct the runoff towards a grassy landscaped area. Detergents and chemical cleaners should not be used to wash sidewalks or driveways.
   

• If you see a catch basin that is clogged or full, report it to the BWSC for cleaning.

Please view the City of Boston Web-Site for further information on household hazardous waste recycling centers.