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!