Automotive
OIL: When you change your car's oil, prevent spills by placing cardboard under the oil pan. Clean up spills quickly with an absorbent material like cat littler. Fully drain the old filter and recycle at one of the many used oil/filter collection locations. Never pour the used oil on the ground, fence posts, gravel driveways, or down the storm drains. Contact Humboldt County department of Environmental Health at 707-445-6215 for a free used oil/filter recycling container.
ANTIFREEZE: Never drain your car's antifreeze onto the ground or street. It is very poisonous to pets and wildlife, which are attracted to the sweet smell and taste.
WASHING: Wash your car on the lawn or gravel surface, not on your paved driveway or street. Pour the leftover soapy water down a household sink so that it's treated by the sewage treatment system.
MAINTENANCE: Have your car inspected and regularly maintained to reduce leakage of oil, antifreeze, and other fluids. Use a drip tray to catch leaks while your car is parked.
EMISSIONS: Reduce automotive emissions through regular auto maintenance, bicycling, ride sharing, and by using public transportation.
Household and Home Maintenance
PAVEMENT: To help rain percolate into the ground, keep as much of your property unpaved as possible. Consider porous asphalt or paving bricks for your driveway.
TOXIC PRODUCTS: Use non-toxic alternatives whenever possible. When using toxic products, buy only the quantity you need and use it up. Follow safety instructions on the product container and store in a waterproof place out of reach of children and pets. Take unwanted household products to the local household hazardous waste collection service for disposal. Never dump chemicals in ditches, gutters, storm drains, or near water.
LATEX PAINT: When using latex paint, rinse paint brushes in the sink. Paint thinner is reusable. When using it to clean brushes, pour a small amount into a sealable glass jar, clean the brushes in the jar, allow paint solids to settle and pour the clean paint thinner back into its original container. Dispose of solids through the household hazardous waste collection service. Before discarding an empty paint can, remove the lid to allow the interior to dry.
EROSION: Control erosion at construction sites to prevent dirt and debris from entering storm drains by sing silt fences or other measures. When pouring concrete, keep it away from gutters and creeks as it is very toxic to fish.
Lawn and Garden
TOXIC PRODUCTS: Use non-toxic alternatives, if possible. If necessary, use pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers carefully and sparingly in accordance with label instructions. More is not better. Do not apply if rain is forecast. Dispose of unwanted leftovers through the household hazardous waste collection service.
MAINTENANCE: Use a broom rather than a hose to clean up lawn clippings and dirt. Deposit in a compost pile.
PAVEMENT: Divert rain spouts and garden hoses away from paved surfaces.
ANIMAL WASTES: Pick up animal wastes regularly and dispose of them in the garbage.
From Humboldt County's Guide to Alternative Household Products
