Every Drop and Flush Matters

Every drop of water that goes down toilets, indoor drains and storm drains makes its way into San Francisco Bay.

Wastewater and stormwater carry pollutants from everyday activities like cooking, gardening, maintaining your car, and even spring-cleaning your garage and medicine cabinet. We've provided a few tips that will help keep pollutants out of the Bay — and make your home safer for your family.

Conserving Is Easy

Install low-flow showerheads and toilets to save water and money.
Find rebates and incentives here.

Not A Garbage Can

Toilets are often misused as easy dumpsters for waste. Cotton swabs, dental floss, wet wipes and sanitary products should never be flushed, even if the packaging says it's okay. They belong in the trash.
See what else doesn't belong in the toilet.

Try Non-Toxic Soaps & Cleaners!

Antibacterial soaps often contain triclosan and many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that become pollutants when they enter waterways and the Bay through our stormwater and sewer systems. Instead, try environmentally-friendly cleaners. The selection and quality keeps growing! Find out how to make your own cleaners. Download the CleanIt! Guide.

Old Pills Piling Up?

Expired or unused medicines don't belong down the toilet or in the trash, where they can make their way into the Bay and ocean. Instead, drop them off at proper disposal sites, conveniently located near you.
Find disposal locations.

Car Maintenance Manners

Regular car maintenance keeps it running longer, smoother and keeps toxic fluids out of the Bay. Be sure to recycle your used motor oil at a convenient site near you.
Find disposal locations.

Keep Your Car and the Bay Clean

Give yourself a break – use a commercial car wash to avoid polluted runoff.

Fluorescent Lights (CFLS) Last Longer And Save Energy

One CFL can save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime; uses about 75% less energy than a standard light bulb; and, lasts up to 10 times longer. But do not toss them in your garbage or recycling bin – they contain mercury. Instead, drop them off at a collection site near you. Find out more.

Keep All Fats, Oils & Grease Out Of The Sink

Used cooking oil from the kitchen can clog your drain pipes and sewers. Scrape small amounts into your kitchen scrap recycling or trash. Take large amounts to a local grease recycling location near you.
Find out more.

Stop Ants In Their Tracks

If you experience an ant invasion, caulk their entrance to your house and clean up their trail with soapy water.
Find out how.

Keep Your Catch Basin Happy

Catch basins (storm drains) are the entryway from our streets to our Bay and some sewer systems. They can get clogged with litter and leaves, which may cause neighborhood flooding and pollute our waterways. Help keep nearby storm drains clean by frequently clearing them of debris.

Less Toxic Gardening

Have a beautiful garden without pesticides and other chemicals.
Find out more.

Harvest The Rain!

Although you can't drink rainwater, you can use it to quench the thirst of your plants. Learn how to install a rain barrel and collect free water for all your irrigation and non-drinking needs. You can even flush your toilets with rainwater!
Find out more.

Pests Bugging You?

Avoid spraying the outside of your house when bugs invade. Call a certified "less toxic" pest control operator!

Scoop the Poop

Always pick up pet waste, wrap it and throw it in the trash. Otherwise it pollutes local waters.

Harvest The Rain!

Although you can't drink rainwater, you can use it to quench the thirst of your plants. Learn how to install a rain barrel and collect free water for all your irrigation and non-drinking needs. You can even flush your toilets with rainwater!
Find out more.