Paints, solvents, adhesives and other toxic substances used in home improvement projects and remodeling can make their way into the City's storm drain system. These substances are only partially treated before entering the Spokane River or Latah Creek during heavy wet weather events. Here are a few tips you can do to help...

Buy only what you need. This may eliminate having left over paint and saves you money.

Use water-based paints When possible. These paints are less toxic than oil-based paints and easier to clean up. Look for products labeled "latex" or "cleans up with water".

Do not clean your brushes or sprayers in the street or on impervious surfaces. Instead, rinse them in your sink. This will reduce the risk of paints from reaching the Spokane River, Latah Creek, or the aquifer.

Reuse paint thinners by filtering or allowing paint residue to settle out.

Recycle leftover paint and paint thinners at one of the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Transfer Facilities.

Wastes and debris from construction projects will also pollute stormwater. Here are a few tips you can use to help...

Conduct grading and excavation projects during dry weather. This will help prevent polluted runoff from leaving your property and entering street drains.

Cover excavated material and piles of soil, sand or gravel to prevent erosion from wind and rain.

Store bags of concrete and plaster inside to avoid being exposed to wet or windy weather.

Recycle all wastes and debris at one of the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Transfer Facilities.

There are many automotive fluids that are harmful to people, animals, aquatic life and the environment. Oil, grease and other toxic fluids can make their way into the Spokane River, Latah Creek, or the aquifer if not properly disposed of. Here are a few tips you can do to help...

Use drip pans when draining automotive fluids.

Have absorbent material, such as kitty litter, handy in case any fluids are spilled on the ground.

Consider having your oil changed by a professional. If you choose to change your own motor oil, then recycle the oil and place the oil filter in your garbage. Be sure all of the oil is out of the filter before disposing into your garbage. You can recycle used motor oil at one of the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Facilities or see if your local automotive store will take it.

Use less toxic anti-freeze, propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol and recycle your used anti-freeze at either one of the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Facilities or check with your local automotive store.

Consider washing your car at car washes. This will help prevent substances from reaching storm drains and they often recycle the water. Or wash your car on your lawn instead of your driveway. The grass acts as a filter as the water infiltrates into the ground, and your lawn gets watered too!!

If you wash your car on your lawn, consider using soaps that are biodegradable and/or environmentally friendly.

There are many household items that can be harmful to our families and the environment.

If you have fluorescent or neon light bulbs, be sure to recycle them. These light bulbs are great energy savers but contain mercury and can be harmful if broken. If broken please visit EPA's website and follow their guidelines, click http://www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling/ or contact the Spokane Regional Solid Waste Transfer Facilities at www.solidwaste.org.

Do not flush unwanted medication down the toilet or sink. This will help prevent medications from entering our water supply during heavy wet weather events. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they have a take back program. If they don't then:

Keep the medication in its original container.

Modify the medications to discourage consumption. Add a small amount of water to pills or capsules to dissolve them. Add something unappealing, such as kitty litter or sawdust.

Seal and conceal. Tape the container lid shut, place in a sealable bag, then place in a non-transparent container to ensure that the contents cannot be seen.

Dispose of the container into your garbage away from children and pets. Do not place in your recycling bin.

Some household cleaning products may contain toxins. Recycle unwanted cleaning products at a Spokane Regional Solid Waste Transfer Facility.

There are many Spokane residents who own pets. Grooming products often contain chemicals; and pet waste left on sidewalks and streets is unsightly and can be a health risk. When it rains pet wastes can be washed down the street into street drains and reach the river. Pet waste is a nuisance to everyone!!

When walking your pets be sure to pick up after them. This will ensure that bacteria and other health risks won't enter the Spokane River, Latah Creek or the aquifer. Dispose of pet waste in the trash.

Consider having your pets groomed by a professional. Consider bathing your pets indoors and using less toxic shampoos. Some pet shampoos and soaps can be toxic to people and aquatic life.