Stormwater Ordinances
As a resident, business or other member of the New Jersey community, it is important to know these easy things you can do every day to protect our water.
Limit your use of fertilizers and pesticides
Do a soil test to see if you need a fertilizer
Do not apply fertilizers if heavy rain is predicted
Look into alternatives for pesticides
Maintain a small lawn and keep the rest of your property in a natural state with trees and other native vegetation that require no fertilizer
If you use fertilizers and pesticides, follow the instructions on the label on how to correctly apply it.
Properly use and dispose of hazardous products
Hazardous products include some household or commercial cleaning products, lawn and garden care products, motor oil, antifreeze and paints
Do not pour any hazardous products down a storm drain because storm drains are usually connected to local water bodies and the water is not treated
If you have hazardous products in your home or workplace, make sure you store or dispose of them properly. Read the label for guidance
Use natural or less toxic alternatives when possible
Recycle used motor oil
Contact your municipality, county or facility management office for the locations of hazardous-waste disposal facilities
Keep pollution out of storm drains
Municipalities and many other agencies are required to mark certain storm drain inlets with messages reminding people that storm drains are connected to local water bodies
Make sure you know your town's or agency's requirements and comply with them. It's the law
Use newspaper, bags or pooper-scoopers to pick up pet waste
Dispose of the wrapped pet waste in the trash
Never discard pet waste in a storm drain
Don't feed wildlife
Do not feed wildlife, such as ducks and geese, in public areas
Many municipalities and other public agencies must enact and enforce a rule that prohibits wildlife feeding in these areas
Don't litter
Place litter in trash receptacles
Recycle, recycle, recycle
Participate in community clean ups
Dispose of yard waste properly
Keep leaves and grass out of storm drains
If your municipality or agency has yard waste collection rules, follow them
Use leaves and grass clippings as a resource for compost
Use a mulching mower that recycles grass clippings into the lawn