Pollution Prevention Community Guidance

Anything you put on your yard or garden can be washed off by the rain and end up polluting our neighborhood creeks and streams. Here are some actions you can take to help keep our waterways clean.

Take action:

• Pick up dog waste and put it in the trash! Dog waste contains harmful bacteria such as E. coli. Learn more from our fact sheet about dog waste
• Learn to compost yard waste. Grass cuttings and leaves that get into creeks and streams can disturb natural habitats, harming fish and other wildlife.
• Dispose of brush and yard waste with Nashville’s scheduled curbside brush pick-up throughout the year. Never pile brush and yard waste in a ditch, stream, or on top of a stormdrain.
• Volunteer to clean up litter in your neighborhood. Litter not only makes our waterways trashy, but it can also carry harmful chemicals. Pick up litter, especially near storm drains and ditches, and keep bin lids secure.
• Wash your car at a car wash or on your lawn where the water can soak into the ground, but never near a storm drain. Car wash water can contain harmful chemicals.
• Store paint, oil, cleaners, and other chemicals inside. Take unused chemicals to a household hazardous waste disposal location.
• Recycle car oil and antifreeze. These chemicals are harmful to wildlife and pets. Never dispose of car oil or antifreeze onto the ground or in a stormdrains.

Download and share our Pollution Prevention Flyer

Become a Certified Tennessee Smart Yard.

This free program teaches research-based practices that will give a yard and garden that achieves your landscaping goals while improving the environment.