Don’t Put These Down the Drain

Help Keep These Substances Out of the Water Supply 

Medicines

Veolia North America has partnered with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA®), to support their Dispose My Meds program.

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Together with your local pharmacies, we’re working to ensure that unused and expired prescription drugs are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way.

Chemicals

Common household products (drain and oven cleaners, paint products and thinners, cleaning agents, pesticides, mothballs, etc.) contain toxic ingredients. When these products are overused or improperly discarded, they pose a threat to indoor air, public health and the environment. Contact your local or county government to find out how to dispose of these substances properly.

Trash

Litter from streets can make its way into storm drains and eventually end up in nearby waters. Be conscious to properly dispose of even the smallest amount of litter, cigarette butts and pet waste. Pet wastes are a significant cause of nutrient contamination and contain bacteria and viruses which can harm people and aquatic life.

Automobiles

Car engine oil is toxic, and dumping used motor oil down drains, storm drains or on the ground is illegal. It has been estimated that every three weeks, more oil is deposited illegally in the United States than was discharged in the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. When changing engine oil, please recycle it at your local recycling center or service station.
When washing your car at home, use small amounts of non-phosphate detergents. Concentrations of phosphates in our waters ultimately cause fish and shellfish to die. Consider using a commercial carwash that recycles its wash water.

Things that cause clogs

  • Fats, oils or grease
  • Coffee grinds
  • Egg shells
  • Produce stickers
  • Chunks of garbage
  • Disposable diapers
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Paper towels
  • Flushable cat litter
  • Condoms
  • Bags/wrappings and cardboard
  • Flammable or explosive substances
  • Corrosive substances that are either acidic or caustic
  • Needles and sharps

Any solid matter that you put down the toilet or drain has the potential to cause blockages in either the public sewer or your private drain.
This can lead to:

  • Raw sewage overflowing in your home
  • Raw sewage overflowing into yards and streets
  • Potential contact with disease-causing organisms
  • An increase in operation and maintenance costs for local sewer departments, which can cause higher sewer bills for customers