Catch Basin & Street Drain Use

Catch basins, like the one pictured below, are designed only for rain water. Most do not include filtering or treatment systems. When people dump chemicals, garbage or throw pet waste in them, they are sending harsh pollutants directly into our local creeks and lakes. Think of it this way, if you wouldn’t throw the waste directly into the lake, then you shouldn’t be sending it down a catch basin.

It is important to keep pollutants and other debris such as pet waste or garbage from entering street drains. You can help by following these tips to do your part in keeping the Hamilton Harbour clean and free from pollutants:

Lawn and garden care

• Minimize the use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in your lawn and garden

• Use less-toxic gardening and pest control techniques and products

• Do not apply lawn or garden products before it rains

• Do not over apply lawn and garden products and follow all instructions

• Use a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler so that you do not overwater your lawn

• Plant vegetation to minimize soil erosion on your property

• Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects

• Compost or mulch yard waste at home or place in a paper yard waste bag or yard waste bin for proper disposal

• Don't sweep yard waste onto the street or into storm drains

Property clean up

• Sweep sidewalks and driveways clean and place yard waste in a paper yard waste bag or yard waste bin for proper disposal or compost at home

• Do not hose off sidewalks or driveways

• Do not sweep anything into the storm sewer

• Do not use water to wash spills into the catch basin

Pet waste

• Pick up your pet waste, double bag it and place in the trash

• Do not leave bags of pet waste in the road or sidewalk where they may end up in a catch basin

• Never place pet waste, in a bag or otherwise, in a catch basin

• Pet waste can be flushed down the toilet

• Do not flush anything other than poop or toilet paper as this may cause blockages

• Do not flush poop bags

Car care

• Inspect your car for leaks and regularly maintain your vehicle

• Take your car to a car wash instead of washing it in the driveway

• If you wash your car at home, do it on a grassy area if possible and do not use harsh cleaners

• Minimize the accumulation of brake dust and vehicle emission particulates on the ground by driving less if possible

Disposal of pollutants

• Recycle used motor oil, antifreeze and other fluids

• Recycle fats, oils and grease or put small amounts in green bin 

• Properly dispose of household chemicals and hazardous wastes at a Community Recycling Centre 

• Have your home and RV septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly

• Take unused medication to pharmacy

• Put cigarette butts, wrappers and waste in trash.