TRASH/LITTER

dumpster overflowing with trash, with a backdrop of green shrubs and grasses and a mountain in the distance

person standing on top of a storm drain grate with a trash bag and a trash grabbing device

Did you know? 80% of the trash found in our waterways comes from everyday litter entering storm drains. Storm drains, unlike sanitary sewers, flow directly into local creeks, rivers, and the Delta/Bay without any treatment. This means that unmanaged trash from local businesses and neighborhoods can easily wind up polluting your favorite waterways and beaches.

The negative impacts of litter in our waterways are wide ranging and well-documented. Beyond the aesthetic offense of trash in natural habitats, the build-up of trash in stream channels can obstruct stream flow, fish migration, boating, swimming, and other beneficial uses of our waters. Fish, birds, and other wildlife can suffer from entanglement, choking, or malnutrition from ingesting plastics. Trash may also contain hazardous materials such as oils and grease, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and other products harmful to humans and wildlife. According to the Ocean Conservancy, the top trash items collected during California beach and shoreline cleanups in 2022 were:

Plastic straws and stirrers
Cigarette butts
Food wrappers
Plastic bottle caps
Plastic beverage bottles

Infographic showing how trash gets into creeks from many sources in the watershed, including: in-creek dumping, wind, and storm drains as a direct connection between streets and creeks. Litter sources include cars and trucks, unmanaged garbage and recycling bins, pedestrians, and illegal dumping. Infographic created by the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Program. — *Infographic created and provided by Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program*

What You Can Do

The good news is that anyone can help protect creeks and San Francisco Bay by keeping trash away from storm drains. Businesses and residents can make sure that bins are not overfilled, that truck loads are securely covered, and that outdoor areas are tidy and swept regularly. For more resources, check out our trash brochure other resources linked below.

Useful links/resources:

CCCWP Best Management Practices brochures – These include tips for reducing trash and common sources of water pollution from Restaurants, Mobile Businesses, Cleaners, and more.

Reducing Single-Use Foodware Accessories and Using Reusables | RecycleSmart – Fact sheets and information on the “Straws on Request Only” state law (California AB1276). Effective as of January 1, 2022, all retail food facilities and food delivery platforms must provide single-use foodware items upon request only. This law was established to help reduce the amount of waste generated by single-use items and to encourage consumers to choose reusables.

What is Stormwater? | CCCleanWater – Learn how your neighborhood storm drains channel water straight into local creeks and the San Francisco Bay.

NPDES Permit Overview | CCCleanWater – Learn more about trash requirements in Provision C.10 of the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit.

Sources of Aquatic Trash | Trash-Free Waters | US EPA

Waste Disposal Options | CCCleanWater

1-800-No-Dumping for Reporting Spills and Illegal Dumping | CCCleanWater

If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Contra Costa, Call 211, Text “HOPE” to 20121, or Visit 211cc.org for resources, information, and free, confidential services available 24/7