When your business becomes familiar with pollution prevention Best Management Practices (BMP), such as proper handling, storing, and disposing of materials, you can ensure that harmful products do not end up entering the storm drain system.
The following are just a few of the workplace practices that can help to reduce the risk of pollution:
- Wash greasy equipment before storing outside (only wash the equipment in areas that are properly connected to the sanitary sewer system with an appropriate oil/water separator).
- Cover, repair, or replace leaky dumpsters so they do not leak onto the pavement and run to the storm drain.
- Clean up outdoor spills and leaks immediately using dry methods (such as applying cat litter to absorb the spill and sweeping) so they do not wash down the storm drain.
- Dispose of toxic materials such as oil, grease, oven cleaner, vent cleaner, and other cleaning products properly.
Disposing of Toxic Materials
Certain products, such as oil, grease and cleaning products, can be toxic to the environment if not disposed of properly. Never pour these products down the drain or into the storm sewer. Instead, email or contact the Solid Waste District at (513) 732-7745 to see if your waste products can be recycled.
If the products cannot be recycled, then dispose of them properly by contacting one of the following:
Clean Harbors Environmental Services
4879 Spring Grove Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45232
(513) 681-6242
Environmental Enterprises
4650 Spring Grove Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45232
(513) 541-1823
You will be required to pay a disposal fee for most disposal services. The fee will vary depending on the type and amount of material.
Helpful Fact Sheets
Go down under for helpful pollution prevention brochures and fact sheets! The New South Wales, Australia EPA has developed a comprehensive list of pollution prevention tips for a wide variety of small industries, including auto service centers, retail food stores, printers, small business homeowners, shopping centers, small industry and much more. Click here to access the New South Wales pollution prevention resource center.