Trash Best Management Practices

It is illegal to allow anything other than rain water to be discharged to a storm drain. Individuals and businesses who improperly handle and dispose of trash are subject to fines and criminal prosecution. To prevent trash from polluting our environment, incorporate BMPs into your business operations.

• Regularly inspect dumpsters and trash compactors for leaks and broken parts, and if found repair or replace.
• Keep dumpster and common areas of your business clear of trash and keep dumpster lids closed.
• Provide trash receptacles for your customers and encourage their use.
• Ensure the size of your dumpster is appropriate for the trash load of your business.
• Properly bag trash before putting it in the dumpster.
• Do not hose out dumpsters. Apply absorbent over any fluids spilled in dumpster. If trash dumpster area requires cleaning, use dry clean up methods or a permitted mobile washer.
• If your business uses a tallow bin then keep bins leak free and clean. Keep tallow bin area clean, covered, and secured.

• Mark all storm drains with "No Dumping" markers (markers can be obtained at the Engineering counter at City Hall).
• Discourage illegal dumping by posting "No Dumping" signs, providing adequate lighting, and/or fencing in open areas.
• Sweep your store front and common areas and keep storm drains clear of trash.
• Require contractors to collect all their trash including landscaping debris

• When transporting materials, cover and tie down loads.
• Train your employees to keep trash off the streets and parking areas and out of storm drains.
• If your business included tenants, communicate proper trash BMPs. Include trash control requirements in lease documents.

Recycled Materials/Hazardous Waste

• Reduce your disposal cost by recycling materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, and glass to reduce trash in landfills.
• Compost food scraps and landscape debris. Talk with your waste hauler regarding available services.
• Go to www.recyclemore.com for information on how to recycle materials.
• Keep hazardous waste out of trash receptacles (this includes e-waste, appliances, paint, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, etc.) In addition to www.recyclemore.com, Contra Costa Hazardous Materials at 925-646-2286 can provide more information on proper handling of hazardous materials.
• Compost food scrap.

If you witness illegal dumping, dial 9-1-1 immediately and report all relevant details (date/time, location, description of vehicle, license, and driver, etc.) so that law enforcement can effectively respond. If the illegal dumping has already occurred, please call the Police Department's dumping hotline at 510-965-4905 where you can anonymously report dumping and graffiti. This number is monitored continuously, and someone will relay the information within 24 hours.
You may also contact the Contra Costa Clean Water Program during normal business hours at 1-800-NO-DUMPING, and someone will relay the information within one business day.

Hazardous Waste Facilities:
West County HHW Collection Center
101 Pittsburg Avenue
Richmond, CA
888-412-9277
925-372-3440 (emergency)

For more information about stormwater regulation, please call the Contra Costa Clean Water Program at 925-313-2360 or the City of Richmond's Stormwater Department at 510-307-8135.