Residential pollution prevention methods
Link to this table
| Practice | Method | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Fertilizer and pesticide management | 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. |  |
| Litter and Animal Waste Control | Properly dispose of pet waste and litter in a timely manner and according to local ordinance requirements. |  |
| Yard Waste Management | 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. |  |
| Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Control | 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. |  |
| 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. |  |
| Better Car and Equipment Washing | 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 Sidewalk and Driveway Cleaning | Sweep sidewalks and driveways and dispose of sweepings in the trash instead of using hoses or leaf blowers to clean surfaces. |  |
| Better Sidewalk and Driveway Deicing | 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. |  |
| Proper Pool Discharge | 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. |  |
| Exposed Soil Repair | Use native vegetation or grass to cover and stabilize exposed soil on lawns to prevent sediment wash off. |  |
| 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. |  |
| 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 |  |