Stormwater Pollution Prevention for Businesses

We can help your business be successful at reducing pollution

Covered and contained dumpsters keep rain out.

Dumpsters can be a major source of pollution if not maintained properly. Rainwater becomes polluted storm runoff when it mixes with contaminants in dumpsters and reaches storm drains.

Learn the key steps to keeping your business clean and reduce common pollution problems.

Resources

Our trained professional staff can visit your business for free to offer tips and ideas on how to contain materials so that they don't contribute to pollution. Our staff can also look at your stormwater facilities and let you know what type of maintenance best fits your type of facility.

Don't know what type of stormwater facility is at your business? Learn more here: www.stormwaterpartners.com

Need to speak to a staff person? Call us at 564.397.4345

Cover

Call us to get a drum lid for a 55-gallon drum

Close dumpster lids to keep rain water out. "Pollution juice" forms when liquids get in your dumpster and can leak out or spill when emptied.
If you business stores materials in drums, use a drum lid to keep rain water out. This protects the life of the drum and the contents, while minimizing pollution risks.
Do you need a lid for a 55-gallon or smaller drum? Our team might be able to help. Give us a call at 564.397.4493.

Close

Train employees to close dumpster lids after every use.
Fix broken or damage lids on dumpsters, compactors and other containers.
Secure lids, when possible, to prevent wildlife foraging in dumpsters and from the wind blowing lids open.
Don't overfill dumpsters or containers so that lids can close securely.
Don't prop lids open allowing rain to get into the container.

Clean

Do not wash in areas that drain to storm drains.
Use a broom to sweep litter into the trash.
Keep dumpsters, compactors and other liquid containers away from storm drains.
Inspect containers regularly for leaks and fix/replace immediately.
Post signs to remind employees of proper use of containers, including filling, storing and keeping a lid securely closed.

Contain

Keep spill kits ready for use at your business

When a spill or leak happens, and it will, quickly contain the liquid or materials.
Always keep a spill kit readily available and stocked near liquid materials.
Train employees on safe clean up protocols.
Restock spill kits immediately.

Be a Lid Champion!

Every business needs someone to take the lead on keeping dumpsters closed. That’s where the Lid Champion comes in.

What is a Lid Champion?

A Lid Champion is the go-to person who helps make sure dumpster lids are closed, the area stays clean, and teammates acknowledge why this is so important.

What a Lid Champion does?

Keeps lid-closing top of mind by giving coworkers a friendly reminder when needed.
Take a quick look at the end of a shift to be sure lids are closed.
Helps the dumpster area stay neat and ready for collection day.
Speaks up if something makes closing the lid harder (like a heavy lid or blocked access) so it can be fixed.

Why It Matters

Closing dumpster lids is a simple step that keeps your business cleaner, cuts down on odors, and helps prevent pests while also protecting local waterways.

When dumpster lids are left open, rainwater mixes with trash to create polluted runoff, sometimes called “dumpster juice.” When dumpsters are emptied, that polluted water can spill onto your property, attracting pests, causing odors and flowing into storm drains that lead to our streams and rivers.

Closing the Lid Every Time Helps: