Residential pollution prevention methods.
Link to this table

Practice Method Image
Fertilizer and pesticide management 1 Reduce or eliminate the need for fertilizer and pesticides by practicing natural lawn care, planting native vegetation, and limiting chemical use; follow Minnesota Statutes Chapter 18C and federal regulatory requirements on fertilizer and pesticide storage and application if used.
Fertilizer pesticide management.jpg
Litter and Animal Waste Control 1 Properly dispose of pet waste and litter in a timely manner and according to local ordinance requirements.
Litter animal waste control.jpg
Yard Waste Management 1 Prevent yard waste from entering storm sewer systems and water bodies by either composting or using curbside pickup services and avoiding accumulation of yard waste on impervious surfaces; keep grass clippings and leaves out of the street.
Yard waste management.jpg
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Control 1 Ensure that hazardous waste, including paints, stains, solvents, cleaning products, used motor oil, antifreeze, and pesticides, are disposed of properly by participating in a County household hazardous waste collection program; properly store hazardous waste items.
Household hazardous waste.jpg
Alternative Product Use Use less harmful products including alternative cleaning solutions, pesticides, fertilizers, automotive and paint products to reduce the amount of toxic substances released into sewer systems.
Alternative product use.jpg
Better Car and Equipment Washing 1 Wash cars less often and on grassy areas using phosphorus free detergents and non-toxic cleaning products or use commercial car washes to prevent dirty wash water from flowing to storm sewer systems and water bodies.
Better car washing.jpg
Better Sidewalk and Driveway Cleaning 1 Sweep sidewalks and driveways and dispose of sweepings in the trash instead of using hoses or leaf blowers to clean surfaces.
Better sidewalk driveway cleaning.jpg
Better Sidewalk and Driveway Deicing 1 Reduce or eliminate the need for deicing products by manually clearing sidewalks and driveways prior to deicer use; use environmentally-friendly deicing products when possible, apply sparingly and store properly if used.
Better sidewalk driveway deicing.jpg
Proper Pool Discharge 1 Check local ordinances for pool water discharge requirements; pool water should be discharged to sanitary sewer systems or held for a week or more without addition of chlorine prior to spreading over pervious areas to prevent stormwater contamination.
Proper pool discharge household.jpg
Exposed Soil Repair 1 Use native vegetation or grass to cover and stabilize exposed soil on lawns to prevent sediment wash off.
Exposed soil repair.jpg
Native Landscaping Reduce turf areas by planting native species to reduce and filter pollutant-laden runoff and prevent the spread of invasive, non-native plant species into the storm sewer system.
Native landscaping.jpg
Healthy Lawns Maintain thick grass planted in organic-rich soil to a height of at least 3 inches to prevent soil erosion, filter stormwater contaminants, and absorb airborne pollutants; limit or eliminate chemical use and water and repair lawn as needed
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This page was last edited on 3 August 2022, at 16:31.