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Help Prevent Ocean Pollution
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This page is intended to explain the regulatory issues regarding the discharge of carpet cleaning washwater. This brochure also explains the procedures that should be followed when carpet cleaning is conducted either by yourself or by professional carpet cleaners.
When using water and detergents to clean carpets, residents and professional carpet cleaners should follow these guidelines in order to prevent waste or washwater from entering the storm drains where it flows untreated to bays, estuaries and ultimately to the ocean.
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These guidelines apply even if the cleaning products are labeled “nontoxic” or “biodegradable”. Although these products may be less harmful to the environment, they can still have harmful effects if they enter the stormdrain untreated |
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Water Quality Guidelines for Carpet Cleaning Activities
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Filtering Wastewater |
Residential Carpet Cleaners |
Both residents and professional carpet cleaners should be sure
to filter the washwater from carpet cleaning before discharging
it to the sanitary sewer since fibers and other debris in the
wastewater can clog pipes. The filtered material can be disposed
of in the garbage, provided that the carpet was not contaminated
with hazardous materials, which cannot be discharged to the
sanitary sewer.
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Washwater from carpet cleaning must be discharged into a sink, toilet, or other drain connected to the sanitary sewer system within your residence. The washwater should never be disposed of in a street, gutter, parking lot or storm drain.
When hiring professional carpet cleaners ask your contractor where they discharge carpet cleaning washwater.
- Check with the contractor to ensure the spent cleaning washwater tank is emptied into a utility sink or other indoor sewer connection.
- If you contract with a carpet cleaner regularly, arrange an appropriate location for the contractor to discharge cleaning washwater such as a utility sink, toilet, or sewer cleanout.
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Professional Carpet Cleaner Users |
Washwater from carpet cleaning must be discharged to a sink, toilet, or other drain connected to the sanitary sewer system - never to a street, gutter, parking lot, or storm drain.
- The spent cleaning fluid can be disposed of in a utility sink or other indoor sewer connection at your home base.
- Or, contact the nearest stormwater program agency for additional disposal options.
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Preventing released to the storm drain |
Question:
Can any liquids, solids or spilled materials from carpet
cleaning activities be discharged to the stormdrain?
Answer:
No carpet cleaning washwater or waste may be discharged to the
storm drain.
Remember:
Think...about what you are doing before you start cleaning.
Question:
Does the carpet cleaner have the equipment, material and
personnel to handle a spill or discharge (such as a detergent
spill)?
Answer:
Be Prepared...for any spill or discharge.
Remember:
Pre-plan: Gather the right equipment and enough material ahead
of time.
Question:
Is it safe for me to clean up spills and discharges?
Answer:
Know...in advance, what you are handling and what to do and
make sure staff are trained.
Remember:
Your safety is paramount.
Question:
When do I begin to clean up spills and discharges?
Answer:
Act...immediately, using known and safe procedures, and try
to contain the spilled material on your property.
Remember:
Protect the storm drain.
Question:
Do I need to report spills or discharges?
Answer:
Communicate...the spill to your supervisor as soon as
possible.
Remember:
Report all spills and discharges that are not contained on site
to the number below or to 911 after hours. |
For more information about pollution protection or
additional brochures,
PLEASE CALL:
City of Carson
(310) 847-3529 |
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For More Information |
County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Works www.888CleanLA.com
To Report Illegal Dumping into the County's Storm Drain System,
Call:
1(888)CLEAN LA, 24 Hours per Day
The tips contained in this brochure provide useful information to help prevent water pollution. If you have other suggestions, please contact your city’s stormwater representatives or call the Los Angeles County Stormwater Program.
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Never allow chemical products or polluted
water to enter the street or storm drain.
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Water Quality Guidelines for Carpet Cleaning Activities