Questions about RECYCLING? Proper disposal of HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE? What is FOG and why is it important? Are you interested in more information about making a difference to HELP THE ENVIRONMENT? What should you know about WATER CONSERVATION? The answers to these and other environmental concerns are available here, as well as links to other RESOURCES.

Recycling

Recycling is a free service offered to residents and businesses in the City of Santa Maria. Details of the City's recycling program are available here Residents are encouraged to check the City web pages, and other web page recycling resources to stay informed regarding changes in the materials which are recyclable and the laws which may affect proper disposal of recyclable materials.

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Proper Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste

The Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at the Santa Maria Regional Landfill, 2065 E. Main Street, is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hazardous Waste includes used oil, used oil filters, paint, household cleaning supplies, and many other toxins. For your safety, households my not transport more that 15 gallons (in maximum 5-gallon containers) or 125 pounds (dry weight) at one time, as caution should be taken when transporting hazardous waste. Use the original container or label the container. Also, cover securely and pack in a leak proof box whenever possible. Check here for more information, or the California Integrated Waste Management Board's web pages www.ciwmb.ca.gov for a complete list of all materials considered hazardous waste.

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How to Help the Environment

"Make the Connection." Storm drains do not go to the City's wastewater treatment plant, so when surface water flows through streets from storms, any pollutants run into storm drains. Storm drains flow directly, without treatment, to the Santa Maria River or into the nearest local retention basin where the water percolates back into the groundwater. Both our river and our underlying groundwater eventually flow to the ocean. Any pollutants found in the water, stay in the water untreated, and causes ocean pollution affecting our beaches, our coast, and our ocean life.

Visit our Stormwater Management page for more information and fact sheets.

What can I do to make a difference at home?

• Let grass clippings remain on the lawn as mulch and you won't have to water as often, or compost them or bag them and place them in your regular trash container.
• Prevent soaps, cleaners and solvents from entering storm drains by taking your car to a carwash (carwashes recycle their water and dispose of the waste properly) or wash it over a landscaped area such as your lawn and water your lawn at the same time. Also, don't forget to minimize the amount of soap you use.
• Pick up pet waste and place it in the trash or flush it down the toilet.
• Time the application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides so that they are not washed off the yard by storms. Don't over apply. Use environmentally friendly products and apply them when the weather forecast is clear.
• Stop soil erosion on your property by protecting the soil with plants or mulch.
• Keep metals out of storm water by driving less, car pooling when possible, and keeping your cars well maintained.
• Recycle used motor oil. Fix oil and fluid leaks quickly. Clean spills with absorbents such as cat litter. Never hose down a spill into the street, and never put grease in the storm drain or sewer system through sinks or toilets.
• Finally, put trash or litter in its place.

How should I dispose of used oil, old paint, car batteries, and other hazardous materials around the home?

• Take leftover chemicals, cleaners and solvents, oil and grease, paint, batteries, and other hazardous materials to the City of Santa Maria's Household Hazardous Collection Waste Facility. It's located at the landfill and open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Click here
• Who should I call if I see someone disposing oil or other hazardous materials down a storm drain?
• During regular City business hours, call the Utilities Department at 925-0951, ext. 7270. After business hours, and if the material being disposed of down the storm drain may create an emergency situation that could result in imminent and substantial danger to the health and safety of persons, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Listen to a 60-second message about recycling your oil.

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Resources

Interested in more information? Visit these informative websites:

• Santa Barbara County Waste Reduction Programs
• California Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling
• California Integrated Waste Management
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Become a Green Business

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