Landscaping
General Practices:
- Use up pesticides completely. Always read the label and follow the directions for proper use. Rinse the containers and use the rinse water as a diluted product. Recycle clean containers if possible.
- Use safer, more organic products.
- Dispose of unused pesticides at the Stanislaus County Hazardous Waste Facility from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm every Friday & Saturday. This facility is located at 1716 Morgan Road, Modesto. Call (209) 525-6700 or (800) 449-4840 for drop off times, locations, or for more information.
- Store pesticides, fertilizers, chlorine and other chemicals indoors or in a shed or storage cabinet.
- Schedule grading and excavation projects during dry weather seasons. Prevent dirt from going into streets and storm drains.
Landscaping Practices:
- Do not blow or rake leaves, grass or dirt into streets. Keep all garden waste out of the storm drain.
- Collect lawn and garden clippings, pruning waste and tree trimmings. Chip if necessary and compost.
- Protect stockpiles and landscaping materials from wind and rain by storing them under tarps or secured plastic sheeting.
- Practice "grasscycling", or composting grass clippings.
In Your Garden
- Purchase household and garden products that are "least toxic" to the environment.
- Sweep sidewalks and patios rather than hose debris into gutters.
- Avoid using pesticides or herbicides on your yard and garden.
- Garden organically or use alternatives to chemicals when possible.
- Do not over-water lawns and gardens. Over-watering can flush large quantities of pesticides and fertilizer directly into storm drains.
- Take care of your lawn in an environmentally friendly way.
- Download the EPA booklet Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment [PDF - 6MB]
REMEMBER
Only Rain Down the Drain!