Do Your Bit
Stormwater has become the most significant source of pollution in Melbourne’s rivers and creeks.
When it rains, litter, cigarette butts, pollutants and waste are washed from pavements and roads, down drains and into rivers, creeks and the bays around the city. Wetlands, retarding basins and litter traps help to remove some of the pollutants in stormwater, but everyone has a role to play in stopping litter before it reaches our rivers and creeks.
Just follow these eight tips to protect rivers and creeks from litter and stormwater pollution.
- Bin it securely.
Make sure litter can't blow or fall out of bins or recycling containers. - Dog droppings.
Dog droppings that wash into stormwater drains and rivers and creeks may impact on water quality. Use a dog scoop bag or put the droppings in your garden. - Grass clippings and leaves.
Help keep street gutters and drain entrances clear of leaves by starting a compost heap or using leaves as garden mulch. Debris can block drains and cause local flooding. Rotting organic matter can pollute rivers and creeks with excess nutrients. - Painting clean-up.
For water-based paints, paint out brushes on scrap material and rinse into the garden. For oil-based paints, use a recommended paint solvent to rinse or soak brushes. Store excess solvent and paint for disposal via your local Household Chemical Collection program. - Washing the car.
Wash your car on a grassed area so soapy water does not flow into the gutter and end up in a local river or creek. Increased nutrients from detergents can contaminate our rivers and creeks. - Motor oil.
One litre of oil can contaminate one million litres of water. Don't pour oil into the gutter. Many councils have drop-off centres which will take leftover oil. Keep your vehicle maintained so it does not leak oil or petrol. - Fertiliser and pesticides.
Avoid applying fertiliser and pesticides in areas where they could wash into drains, particularly when storms are predicted. - Landscaping and construction.
Make sure soil and sand stockpiles are not covering street gutters. Protect stockpiles from wind and rain by storing under secured plastic sheeting or tarpaulins. Schedule grading and excavation projects during dry weather.