LITTER: Place litter, including
cigarette butts and fast food
containers, in trash receptacles.
Never throw litter in streets or
down storm drains. Recycle as much
as possible.
FERTILIZERS: Fertilizers
contain nitrates and phosphates
that, in abundance, cause blooms of
algae that can lead to fish kills.
Avoid the overuse of fertilizers and
do not apply them before a heavy
rainfall.
PESTICIDES: Many household
products made to exterminate pests
also are toxic to humans, animals,
aquatic organisms and plants. Use
alternatives whenever possible. If
you do use a pesticide, follow the
label directions carefully.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS:
Many common household products
(paint thinners, moth balls, drain
and oven cleaners, to name a few)
contain toxic ingredients. When
improperly used or discarded, these
products are a threat to public
health and the environment. Do not
discard with the regular household
trash. Use natural and less toxic
alternatives whenever possible.
Contact your County Solid Waste
Management Office for information
regarding household hazardous waste
collection in your area.
MOTOR OIL: Used motor oil
contains toxic chemicals that are
harmful to animals, humans and fish.
Do not dump used motor oil down
storm drains or on the ground.
Recycle all used motor oil by taking
it to a local public or private
recycling center.
CAR WASHING: Wash your car
only when necessary. Consider using
a commercial car wash that recycles
its wash water. Like fertilizers,
many car detergents contain
phosphate. If you wash your car at
home, use a non-phosphate detergent.
PET WASTE: Animal wastes
contain bacteria and viruses that
can contaminate shellfish and cause
the closing of bathing beaches. Pet
owners should use newspaper, bags or
scoopers to pick up after pets and
dispose of wastes in the garbage or
toilet.
SEPTIC SYSTEMS: An improperly
working septic system can
contaminate ground water and create
public health problems. Avoid adding
unnecessary grease, household
hazardous products and solids to
your septic system. Inspect your
tank annually and pump it out every
three to five years depending on its
use.
BOAT DISCHARGES: Dumping boat
sewage overboard introduces bacteria
and viruses into the water. Boat
owners should always use marine
sanitation devices and pump-out
facilities at marinas.
As you can see, these suggestions
are simple and easy to apply to your
daily lifestyle. Making your
commitment to change at least one
habit can result in benefits that
will be shared by all of us and add
to the health and beauty of New
Jersey's water resources.
