Littering Is Throwing It All Away

Nearly 80 percent of the debris found in our watershed, creeks, shoreline, and the Bay is washed, blown or dumped there from land. One piece of litter can end up miles from where it is discarded on a suburban street, polluting our water systems and causing a threat to wildlife. The primary sources of litter are: pedestrians, motorists, trucks with uncovered loads, household trash handling and its placement at the curb, loading docks, and demolition sites.

Because we live in a watershed, our community’s litter makes a very big impact. A watershed is a land area that drains water into a creek, river, lake, wetland, bay or groundwater aquifer. In the Santa Clara Valley, the water from rain and irrigation (called runoff) picks up litter and carries it directly into storm drains, creeks and rivers that flow to San Francisco Bay.

How Litter Can Kill

Six-pack rings, rope, discarded fishing line and other debris can wrap around fins, flippers and limbs of water animals and fish, causing them to be injured or drowned. Plastic bags, deflated balloons or other items can be mistaken for food and swallowed, blocking an animal’s digestive tract. Also, toxic substances found in plastics and other litter can leach into the water, polluting it further.

You Can Make a Difference

·        Don’t litter, ever. Even a cigarette butt thrown on a city street can pollute the environment.

·        When you see litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly.

·        Secure and cover all truckloads as appropriate.

·        Make sure your trashcan lid is closed securely.

·        Always bring a bag for trash when picnicking, hiking or camping.

·        If you own a business, check your dumpster on a regular basis and protect it from illegal dumping.

·        Call the Santa Clara Countywide Recycling Hotline (800) 533-8414 or visit www.reducewaste.org to find out where to dispose of or donate large household items such as furniture, appliances, etc.

·        Volunteer to participate in or organize a creek cleanup. Contact Ed Morales (408) 265-2607, extension 2880 at the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Adopt-A-Creek Program.

By protecting the watershed, creeks and Bay, you are protecting the environment for youeself, your children and future generations. For more information about how to protect your local watershed, call 1(866) WATERSHED or visit www.mywatershedwatch.org for your free Watershed Watch Kit.