Home Improvement

Never rinse paint brushes out in the street or in any area that might flow to the street or into a storm drain. If you use a water-based paint, wash all paintbrushes, pans, sprayers and other equipment in a sink connected to the sewer. Dispose clean, water-based paint cans in the trash. Oil based paints and solvents can only be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection site.

If you spill liquid building material or other hazardous material, use towels, absorbents or kitty litter immediately to prevent the spill from flowing into the street. If you use kitty litter, be sure to sweep it up and dispose of it in the trash.

Materials and equipment that require application and cleaning using water, such as grout, gypsum compound, dry wall mud, plaster, stucco, or concrete cannot be rinsed down a street or into a storm drain. Use a mop and bucket, and dump the waste water into a toilet or a sink that’s linked to the sewer system.

Dispose of all wastewater from carpet or upholstery cleaning into a sink or toilet, and if you hire someone to clean your carpets or upholstery, have them dispose of the wastewater properly.

Home improvement materials, if washed down the street and into a storm drain, not only stain the gutters and streets, but also add many harmful chemicals and sediments to our waterbodies. Additionally, many building materials can dry and harden, and then clog storm drainpipes.
 
Remember, it is illegal to allow building materials, or wash water from the cleaning of building materials, to enter the stormwater drainage system.