Stormwater best practices for businesses and contractors

Business maintenance activities can contribute to stormwater pollution when grass clippings, paint, wash water, fluids, cleaners, trash or other pollutants flow into streets, gutters or storm drains.

Storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system, so water that enters storm drains is not treated before flowing to local waterways and the ocean.

Some industrial facilities may be required to obtain coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board Industrial General Permit. For more information, visit the California Water Boards Industrial Stormwater Program.

Landscape maintenance

• Do not blow, rake or dispose of grass clippings, leaves, sticks or other plant material in the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Compost green waste, haul it to a permitted waste facility or contact EDCO at 562-531-3054 for disposal options.
• Irrigate slowly and inspect irrigation systems for leaks, overspray and runoff.
• Adjust automatic timers to avoid overwatering.
• Follow label directions for the use and disposal of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers if rain is expected within 48 hours or if wind speeds are above 5 mph.
• Do not spray pesticides within 100 feet of waterways.
• Work fertilizer into the soil instead of leaving it on the surface.
• If fertilizer spills on pavement or a sidewalk, sweep it up immediately and place it back in the container.

Building maintenance

• Never allow wash water, sweepings or sediment to enter the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Sweep up dry spills and use cat litter, towels or similar absorbent materials on wet spills.
• If washing a building, sidewalk or parking lot, contain the water. Use a shop vacuum or other method to collect the water and contact the city for proper disposal guidance.
• Use drop cloths under outdoor painting, scraping and sandblasting work. Dispose of collected materials properly.
• Use a ground cloth or oversized tub when mixing paint or cleaning tools.
• Do not wash paint brushes or tools in the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Use a damp mop or broom to clean floors. Do not sweep debris onto sidewalks, streets, gutters or storm drains.
• Cover dumpsters to keep out insects, animals, rainwater and debris.
• Keep areas around dumpsters clear of trash and debris.
• Do not overfill dumpsters.
• Contact EDCO at 562-531-3054 to replace damaged or leaking dumpsters.

Materials, waste and recycling

• Do not dump toxic substances or liquid waste on pavement, the ground or near a sidewalk, gutter or street.
• Remember that even materials that seem harmless, such as latex paint or biodegradable cleaners, can harm the environment.
• Recycle paints, solvents and other materials when possible.
• For leftover paint recycling, visit CleanLA paint recycling information.
• For household hazardous waste and e-waste collection information, visit the CleanLA household hazardous waste webpage.
• Store materials indoors or under cover and away from storm drains.
• Contact EDCO at 562-531-3054 for construction and demolition debris recycling options, including lumber, cardboard, metals, masonry, carpet, plastic, pipes, drywall, rocks, dirt and green waste.
• Properly label materials and make sure employees understand Safety Data Sheets for products used at the business.

Concrete, mortar, grout, sediment and washout water can pollute gutters, streets, storm drains and local waterways if they are not handled properly during construction or home improvement projects.

Storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system or treatment plants. Materials that enter the storm drain system can flow untreated to local waterways and the ocean.

These best practices apply to do-it-yourself remodelers, homeowners, masons, bricklayers, contractors and anyone using concrete or mortar for a construction project.

Set up the work area carefully

• Set up and operate small mixers on tarps or heavy plastic drop cloths.
• Do not mix more fresh concrete or mortar than needed for the project.
• Keep construction debris away from streets, gutters and storm drains.
• Do not place fill material or soil on the sidewalk or street.
• Store dry and wet materials under cover, protected from rain and runoff, and away from storm drains or channels.

Protect materials from rain, wind and runoff

• Protect fresh concrete and mortar from rain and runoff until the material has dried.
• Protect dry materials from wind.
• Secure open bags of concrete mix and mortar.
• Do not allow dry products to blow into driveways, sidewalks, streets, gutters or storm drains.

Handle washout and cleanup properly

• Never dispose of concrete, mortar, grout or washout water in streets, storm drains or landscape drains.
• Empty mixing containers and wash out chutes onto dirt areas that do not drain to streets, storm drains or waterways.
• When appropriate, allow leftover material to dry and dispose of it properly.
• Never wash excess material from bricklaying, patio or driveway work into a street or storm drain.
• Sweep up small amounts of dry concrete, grout or mortar and dispose of them in the trash.

Prevent sediment from leaving the site

• Sweep or vacuum sediment and other solids immediately before they can wash into the street.
• Wash concrete or brick areas only when wash water can flow to a dirt area without further runoff.
• If wash water cannot flow to a dirt area, use berms or another containment method so water and solids can be pumped or vacuumed for proper disposal.
• During cleanup, check the street and gutters for sediment or debris.
• Look down the street and clean up materials that may have traveled away from the property or job site.

Food service establishments can contribute to stormwater pollution when fats, oils, grease, food scraps, trash, cleaning products or wash water flow into streets, gutters, parking lots or storm drains.

Storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system. Pollutants that enter storm drains can flow to local waterways and the ocean. These discharges are prohibited.

An effective fats, oils and grease control program can help reduce sewer blockages, wastewater backups and drain cleaning costs.

Clean kitchen equipment properly

• Wipe fats, oils, grease and food residue from floor mats, hood filters, cooking equipment and other kitchen equipment before washing.
• Do not wash kitchen equipment or trash cans outdoors where wash water can flow to a street, alley, parking lot or storm drain.
• Scrape fats, oils, grease and food scraps from pots, pans, dishes and utensils into the trash, not the sink.
• Place mesh screens in sinks and floor drains to help keep food scraps out of the sewer system.

Dispose of wash water correctly

• Clean equipment in a mop sink when possible. Do not use a food preparation sink for equipment cleaning.
• Dispose of mop water and other wash water into a mop sink or approved sewer drain.
• Never pour wash water into a street, gutter, parking lot or storm drain.

Clean spills safely

• Use dry cleanup methods, such as sweeping, wiping or mopping, to clean spills.
• Never wash or hose spills into a street, gutter, parking lot or other outdoor area.

Clean outdoor areas safely

• Use dry cleaning methods, such as sweeping, for sidewalks, outdoor seating, dumpster areas and outside storage areas.
• Never hose off outdoor areas or allow wash water to leave the property and flow into a street, alley, parking lot or storm drain.
• If an outdoor area must be cleaned with liquid, sweep first to remove dirt, trash and debris, then use a mop or scrub brush where needed.

Maintain dumpster and waste oil areas

• Sweep up and remove trash and debris from dumpster areas.
• Keep dumpster lids and waste oil container lids closed when not in use.
• Do not pour liquids into dumpsters.
• Double bag leaking trash bags before placing them in the dumpster.
• Check dumpsters and waste oil containers regularly for leaks.

Train employees

• Train employees on fats, oils and grease control practices.
• Instruct employees not to pour fats, oils or grease down the drain.
• Instruct employees not to use sinks to dispose of food scraps.
• Post “No Grease” signs above sinks and on dishwashers.
• Post signs in the languages commonly spoken by employees.

Permit reminder

Food service establishments may need an L.A. County Industrial Waste Permit before discharging wastewater to the sanitary sewer. For permit questions, call 626-458-3517.

Automotive service, repair and fueling businesses can contribute to stormwater pollution when fuel, oil, grease, solvents, fluids, cleaners, trash or other pollutants flow into parking lots, streets, gutters or storm drains.

These discharges are prohibited. Use best management practices to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system.

Keep a clean work site

• Locate storm drains on or near your property.
• Perform automotive work under cover and in a controlled area whenever possible.
• Sweep or vacuum shop floors daily.
• Never sweep, wash or hose waste into a parking lot, street, alley, gutter, sanitary sewer or storm drain.
• Use non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible.

Prevent leaks and spills

• Use a funnel when pouring liquids and place a tray underneath to catch spills.
• Place drip pans under spouts of liquid storage containers.
• Check equipment daily, wipe up spills promptly and repair leaks.
• Keep spill containment and cleanup kits easy to find and ready to use.
• Use absorbent materials, such as kitty litter, sawdust or sand, on spills. If the spilled material is hazardous, dispose of the cleanup material as hazardous waste.

Store materials and waste properly

• Store vehicle parts, fuels, solvents, batteries, oils and other materials off the ground and where they will not be exposed to rainwater.
• Contain cracked batteries to prevent hazardous spills.
• Cover materials and storage areas with an impervious material before rain events.
• Label waste containers and drums in accordance with local, state and federal requirements.
• Store liquid waste in covered, labeled containers.

Recycle and dispose of waste safely

• Recycle or reuse solvents, paints, oil filters, antifreeze, motor oil, batteries, metal scraps, water-based paints, used tires, aluminum, tin, water and lubricants whenever possible. Use the CalRecycle Where to Recycle search to find recycling options by material and location.
• Do not combine different types of hazardous waste. Mixing wastes can be dangerous and can limit recycling options.
• Use a licensed hazardous waste hauler for hazardous waste storage and disposal guidance.
• Never dump anything into the street, gutter or storm drain.

Wash vehicles and equipment safely

• Prevent oil, grease, suspended solids and toxic materials from washing into streets, gutters or storm drains.
• Use a designated wash area where water drains to the sewer system. An industrial waste permit may be required.
• Make sure wash areas are paved and clearly marked.
• Use a spray nozzle or rinse bucket to conserve water.
• Post signs prohibiting oil changes and washing with solvents.
• Use a commercial car wash facility whenever possible.

Handle body repair and painting carefully

• Clean work areas using dry methods, such as a shop vacuum or broom, to collect dust, metal and debris.
• Paint only in approved, enclosed areas.
• Minimize paint and thinner waste.
• Prevent all wash water from entering streets, gutters or storm drains.

Clean engines and parts safely

• Clean parts in a self-contained unit, solvent sink or parts washer to prevent solvents and grease from entering a sewer, street, gutter or storm drain.
• Drain parts over a contained area instead of allowing them to drip or spill onto the floor.
• Never discharge rinse solution into a sewer, street, gutter or storm drain.
• Use water-based cleaning solutions instead of solvents when possible.
• Dispose of used cleaning solutions through a hazardous waste hauler or approved facility.
• Inspect parts-washing units daily for leaks and make repairs.
• Avoid hose-off degreasers. Never allow runoff to enter streets, gutters or storm drains.
• Brush off loose debris and use damp rags to wipe down parts. Clean used rags through a rag service or dispose of them as hazardous waste.

Manage fueling areas and vehicle fluids

• Operate fueling areas so spills can be contained and runoff cannot carry spills into streets, gutters or storm drains.
• Service drain filters beneath fueling canopies and replace absorbents as needed.
• Cover fueling areas to keep rain from washing away spilled materials.
• Designate an area to drain vehicle fluids away from drains, streets and gutters.
• Drain vehicles indoors and only over non-porous floors, such as concrete.

Paints, solvents and adhesives can harm wildlife, waterways and public health if they are poured onto pavement, into gutters or into storm drains. These materials must be handled carefully and disposed of properly.

Storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system. Runoff from Lakewood streets flows through the storm drain system toward local waterways and the ocean.

Do the job right

• Keep paints, solvents and adhesives away from gutters, streets and storm drains.
• Use water-based paints instead of oil-based paints when possible. Look for labels such as “latex” or “clean up with water.”
• Do not use old paints that may contain lead or other hazardous materials.
• Never pour excess paint, solvents, adhesives or rinse water into a gutter, street or storm drain.

Painting cleanup

• Use drop cloths and containment methods to keep paint chips, dust and residue out of streets, gutters and storm drains.
• When thoroughly dry, used brushes, rags, drop cloths and empty paint cans with lids removed may be disposed of as trash if they are not hazardous.
• For water-based paints, remove as much paint from brushes and rollers as possible before rinsing them in a sink connected to the sanitary sewer.
• For oil-based paints, remove as much paint from brushes and rollers as possible, then clean them with thinner or solvent in a proper container. Filter and reuse thinner or solvent when possible.
• Never clean brushes, rollers or containers in the street, gutter or storm drain.

Surface preparation

• Chemical paint stripping residue, including saturated rags, is hazardous waste and must be taken to a proper waste collection facility.
• Paint chips and dust from marine paints or paints containing lead, mercury or tributyl tin are hazardous waste and must be handled properly.
• Paint chips and dust from non-hazardous dry stripping or sandblasting may be swept up and disposed of as trash.
• When stripping or cleaning building exteriors with high-pressure water, block catch basins and storm drains.
• Direct wash water to landscaped areas when appropriate or collect it by mopping or vacuuming.
• Before pressure washing or stripping buildings constructed before 1978, test paint for lead through a state-certified laboratory.

Where to take paint and related materials

• Use the PaintCare drop-off site locator to find participating paint recycling locations, or call 855-724-6809.
• PaintCare sites generally accept paint, primer, stain and varnish in original containers with original labels and secure lids. Open or leaking containers may not be accepted.
• For household hazardous waste and e-waste disposal options, visit the CleanLA household hazardous waste webpage or call 888-CLEAN-LA.
• EDCO’s Signal Hill facility may also accept certain household hazardous waste items during designated collection times. Contact EDCO before visiting to confirm accepted items and hours.

Power washing includes using a water pressure system or steam cleaning to clean vehicles, equipment, sidewalks, buildings, roofs, dumpsters or other hard surfaces, with or without detergents or chemical additives.

Wash water from power washing can contain oil, grease, chemicals, dirt, detergents and other pollutants. If that water enters gutters, streets or storm drains, it can flow untreated to local waterways and the ocean.

Discharging wash water to gutters, streets or storm drains is prohibited.

Use dry cleanup methods first

• Consider dry cleanup methods before using water.
• Use mops, brooms, rags or wire brushes to clean pavement, buildings and equipment when possible.
• Use vacuums or other equipment to remove and collect loose debris before applying water.

Contain wash water

• Before washing, block or cover storm drains with an impervious barrier, such as sandbags, berms, plugs or rubber mats.
• Create a containment area with berms to keep wash water from leaving the site.
• Check that wash water is not leaking through barriers. Add more berms or barriers as needed.
• Do not wash equipment or vehicles outdoors on saturated ground or when rain is expected.

Choose a safe washing location

• Wash vehicles and equipment on grassy or gravel areas when appropriate so wash water can soak into the ground.
• Make sure wash water does not flow to streets, gutters, storm drains or neighboring properties.
• Do not allow sediment or debris to remain where it can be washed into the storm drain system.

Dispose of wash water properly

• Pump or vacuum all wash water from the contained area.
• With the property owner’s permission, wash water may be discharged to the sanitary sewer through an interior building drain, sink or private sewer cleanout when allowed.
• Opening or using a city manhole to dispose of wastewater is prohibited.
• Sweep or vacuum remaining sediment and solids before they can wash into the street or storm drain system.

Biodegradable soaps

Products labeled “biodegradable” or “phosphate free” can still harm aquatic life. Do not allow soapy water or cleaning products to enter gutters, streets or storm drains.