Preventing Beach Pollution

Pick up litter in the park, on the street or at the beach.
Sweep the gutters and driveways regularly and place the sweepings on the garden, the compost or in the bin.
Prevent soil or mulch being washed or blown off the garden.
Clean up pet droppings and dispose of them in the garden, rubbish bin or in the toilet.
Consider natural alternatives to pest control chemicals.
Take unwanted household chemicals to a free Household Chemical Collection event in your local area.
Maintain your car making sure there are no leaks and that the fuel is burnt ‘cleanly’ by keeping your car tuned. (Oils and Leaks destroy our Creeks)
Use the minimum amount of detergent for cleaning outside and always try and use phosphate free products.
Wash brushes and rollers over a sand filter on the lawn.
Wash cars on the lawn or gravel and use minimal detergent. Empty the soapy water down the sink or toilet. Better still use a commercial car cleaning centre - they reuse their water.
Make sure sewerage pipes are not connected illegally to stormwater.
Install rainwater tanks and conserve water generally - don’t forget - Every drop counts!
Get involved with bushcare, landcare and Coastcare projects that restore or protect local waterways.

Wash the car in the street using detergent.
Hose dirt off impervious surfaces (roads, paths, driveways) into gutters. Use a broom instead.
Drop packaging or cigarette butts on the ground. Please butt it and bin it!
Leave rubbish where bins are already full - take it with you!
Pile sand and soil on areas where it can wash into the stormwater system.
Over use chemicals (pesticides and herbicides) that could be washed into stormwater from the garden or yard.
Use pesticides, herbicides and fertiliser when rain is forecast the same day.
Pour unwanted oils and chemicals into drains, gutters, toilets or anywhere they may end up in our waterways.
Work on your car anywhere oil (from oil change, for example) and grease may wash into gutters.
Pour paint, solvent or cleaners in the gutter or where they may enter drains.

For other ways on how you can stop pollution, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beach/whatcanyoudo.htm