These two simple steps provide ways to reduce storm water pollution that originates from automobiles and their maintenance.
Wash at a Carwash
Washing your car in your driveway, or on any paved surface, may allow the soapy water and dirt from your car to quickly enter a stormdrain. From there, it goes directly to local waters.
- The best way to reduce pollution from car washing, though, is to wash your car at a commercial car wash facility. They are required to collect and dispose of the wash water properly.
- If a car wash isn't an option, simply washing your car on a more permeable surface such as the lawn or a gravel driveway can help keep that pollution out of stormdrains.
Recycle Used Oil
Pouring oil out anywhere is a threat to drinking water supplies and the waters that we Rhode Islanders love to fish, boat, and swim! If you change your own oil, it needs to be recycled:
- Drain it into a container with a tight-fitting cap.
Take the used oil to the Rose Hill Transfer Station. Contact the Transfer Station at (401) 783-4554 for more information.