Many of our daily activities can cause pollution in our streams and communities without us even realizing it. However, with a little extra care, we can help to prevent pollution in our waterways and keep our communities healthy and clean. Please view the topics below to find out more about how you can help prevent pollution in your neighborhood. For more information, contact our Public Education and Outreach staff at (404) 612-8745.
Household F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease)
When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are disposed of in kitchen drains and garbage disposals, they can cause blockages in sewer pipes. These clogs can cause expensive and unpleasant sewer backups into homes or businesses. By properly disposing of FOG in trash cans we can prevent this type of pollution:
• Scrape plates into the trash instead of into the sink or garbage disposal.
• Pour grease into a can or let it cool, then scrape into the trash.
• Take used cooking oil to a recycling center:
Keep North Fulton Beautiful
470 Morgan Falls Road
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
(770) 551-7766
Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM)
1110 Hill Street
Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 600-6386
Non-flushable Items
Did you know that “flushable” wet wipes aren’t really flushable? These wipes, along with other non-flushables such as paper towels, facial tissues, disposable toilet brushes, feminine hygiene products, contraceptives, and cat litter, cause sewer clogs and backups and damage to the wastewater system.
Medications should also never be flushed down the toilet, to help protect our streams and drinking water sources. If you have unused medications to dispose of, please click here to find a drop-off location near you. Fulton County has several permanent disposal locations.
So, what should you flush? Only human waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed down the toilet. Everything else belongs in the trash or a secure disposal location.
Household Hazardous Waste
Other household products, such as automotive fluids, paint, pesticides, and cleaners, should also never be flushed, poured down the drain, or emptied onto the ground. These products can contaminate ground or surface water, damage septic systems, and endanger our community. For more information on proper disposal methods and locations, download the Clean Water Campaign’s Household Hazardous Waste brochure.
Pet Waste
We all know that pet waste on sidewalks and lawns looks and smells bad, but did you know that pet waste can also add high levels of harmful bacteria and excess nutrients to our waterways? Be the solution to water pollution and be sure to pick up after your pets. For more information about how pet waste can be harmful to our water resources, download the Clean Water Campaign’s Pet Waste Brochure.
Septic Tank Maintenance
Do you know the last time your septic tank was pumped? Your system should be inspected at least every 3 years, and pumped every 3-5 years. Proper maintenance of a home septic system can prevent a septic failure. Failures are expensive, unpleasant, and can pollute our neighborhoods. For tips on septic system maintenance, visit the EPA SepticSmart page.