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Residential Resources
Visit Santa Barbara County's
Recycling Website at www.lessismore.org to learn about all of the waste reduction programs and resources available in Santa Barbara County.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Here are some actions individuals can take to reduce pollution:
• DISPOSE OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROPERLY, IT'S FREE. Common household substances such as paint, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, and battery fluid, rank among the most common polluters of the wastewater supply. Free hazardous waste dumping facilities are available. For information, call the Community Environmental Council at 963-0583 ext. 105 or visit them on the web at: http://www.communityenvironmentalcouncil.org
• MANAGE ANIMAL WASTE. Always use doggie-bags when walking your pets. Horse and livestock owners must keep corrals clean and dispose of manure so that it does not flow into creeks.
• DISPOSE OF MOTOR OIL, PAINT AND CHEMICALS at the Free Household Hazardous Waste Site. Never pour chemicals on the ground or down storm drains.
• MANAGE SEPTIC SYSTEMS PROPERLY. Pump solids out of septic tanks often, and ensure leach fields are working properly.
• REDUCE RUNOFF OF FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES. Try less toxic garden care products, and use native plants that don't require excess amounts of fertilizer.
• PREVENT WATER RUNOFF INTO THE SEWER. Runoff from roofs, gutters and yards should never be diverted to the sewer system. Excess storm water can overload the sewage treatment system.
Links to Community Environmental Groups and Activities
Goleta Sanitary District supports efforts by local governments and community groups to solve the watershed runoff problem. For further information, please contact.
CREEK AND BEACH PROTECTION
Audobon Society of S.B. (Wetland restoration) - 964-1468
Community Environmental Cncl. (Creek Watchers - 963-0583
Environmental Defense Center (Land use issues) - 963-1622
Surfrider Foundation (Blue Water Task Force) - 899-2583
Urban Creeks Council (creek restoration and cleanup) - 968-3000
U.C. Extension Ca Aquatic Science Ed. Consortium - 568-3330
Save Our Shores Water Quality Hotline - 877-687-6232 DISPOSE OF MOTOR OIL OR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
Used Oil Hotline - 800-670-7645
Community Environmental Council - 963-0583
REPORT A SPILL OR POLLUTION INCIDENT (CREEK OR OCEAN) County Environmental Health - 681-4900
Regional Water Quality Control Board - 549-3147
C.A. Dept. of Fish and Game Tip Line - 800-952-5400
SEPTIC OR GRAY WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
County Environmental Health - 681-4900
BEACH CLOSURES AND RESULTS OF WEEKLY OCEAN TESTING
Santa Barbara News Press Listing (Saturday)
Ocean Water Quality Hotline - 681-4949
Website: www.sbcphd.org.
Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal
Unused prescription and over-the-counter medications that are put in drains or flushed down the toile pollute the environment, so please take as prescribed and disposed of unused portions properly. Unused medications should be:
1. Taken to a household hazardous waste collection center or event (no controlled substances allowed) or
2. Put in a sturdy, securely sealed container, then in a trash can where children and animals can’t reach them.
Contact: www.nodrugsdownthedrain.org for more information.
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