AVOID leaving fertilizer and lawn clippings on pavement

Always sweep excess fertilizer back into the lawn. When stormwater runoff carrying fertilizer moves over paved surfaces (streets, parking lots, etc.), there is no soil to filter it, and it may flow directly into our waterways—even if you live far from a stream or pond. Though many people believe otherwise, storm drains in most local neighborhoods do not carry stormwater to wastewater treatment plants but instead flow untreated directly into our rivers and lakes.

Grass clippings, leaves, and other plant debris should be removed from street gutters, sidewalks, and driveways as soon as possible. These may cause unwanted algae and aquatic weed growth. Instead, you can compost this plant material, use it in the garden, or dispose of it through appropriate yard waste sites or community services.