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New information
It's time for spring cleaning! Remember, when you clean out the garage, make an appointment at our HHW collection facility to bring in chemicals and materials that are Too Toxic To Trash. In addition to cleaning out the garage, why not clean up a little around the neighborhood? Go to Spring Cleaning SMC to find a cleanup event happening near you this spring! Spring planting season is here! The Our Water Our World helps you identify Less Toxic Pest Control products available for the home and garden in 20 partner stores across San Mateo County. Look for the Our Water Our World symbol next to the shelf label before you buy. 2012 Car Wash Discount Coupons are available NOW! Get one and help keep car wash pollution out of the storm drain. Also check our Automotive Care page for tips on how to keep your car from contributing to water pollution. Watershed Groups Guide Find San Mateo County groups working on watershed stewardship projects. Volunteer opportunities and events listed. San Carlos Residents and Businesses: Get information about the Clean Watersheds for a Clean Bay project regarding PCB cleanup in San Carlos. Spanish-language Stormwater Brochure available Usted es la Solución para Prevenir la Contaminación del Agua que va a los Desagües
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Featured Topic CAR WASH DISCOUNT COUPON NOW AVAILABLE
Environmental Problems with Washing Cars at Home. When you wash your car in the driveway or street, contaminants such as oil, grease, and metals (copper, nickel and zinc) as well as the dirt and soap can flow into storm drains, which discharge directly into our local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and Pacific Ocean, polluting our environment. The best option. Taking your car to a commercial car wash or spray booth is the best option as all of the dirty water is sent to a wastewater treatment plant. Not only do you reduce pollution, you will save water. A commercial car wash uses less water than you would at home. Wash your vehicle on the grass or gravel. If you wash your car or truck at home, wash it where the wash water can soak into grass, gravel or be diverted to nearby landscaping, away from the street and storm drains. Use rags to wipe brake dust off of wheels before washing. Minimize Cleaners. Reduce the amount of soap used. Wash your car with plain water, and use a hose nozzle with a trigger to save water. Use soaps, cleaners and The San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program has partnered with 11 car washes throughout San Mateo County to offer a Car Wash Discount Coupon valid for one-time use until December 31, 2012. You can get this discount coupon by emailing us your mailing address at pollutionprevention@co.sanmateo.ca.us or by calling (650) 372-6245.
The Participating San Mateo County Commercial Car Washes for 2012 are:
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Practice Good Car Care
detergents that are labeled phosphate free or biodegradable. Remember, any soap, even biodegradable, is not allowed to go into the storm drain, because even biodegradable soap depletes water of oxygen which harms aquatic life.. Pour your bucket of soapy water down the sink when you are done.