• Hold a meeting with all participants to explain the proper procedures that should be followed when conducting these activities.
• Remove all trash and debris from the car washing area.
• Use only soaps, cleaners or detergents labeled “non-toxic,” “phosphate free,” or “biodegradable.” The safest products for the environment are vegetable-based or citrus-based soaps.
• Do not use acid based wheel cleaners or engine degreasers.
• Select a site where the wash water can soak into grass, gravel, or be diverted to nearby landscaping. This will allow the wash water to filter through the vegetation and/or soil instead of flowing directly into the storm drain.
• If you select a site that drains into a street, block off the storm drain with sandbags and either divert the wash water to an area where the water can pool and evaporate throughout the day or arrange to dispose of the wash water down a sanitary sewer drain (with permission from the sanitation district).
• At the end of the day, remember to properly dispose of sandbags.

• Remember to clean up. Have a volunteer walk the perimeter of the site to pick up trash and debris and dispose of it properly.
• Before you allow anything to go into the gutter or storm drain, stop and think. Storm drains do not go to the sewer, they flow directly into channels and creeks, through wetlands and to the ocean.

• Shake car mats into a trash can or vacuum them. Do not shake dirt from car mats directly onto the ground.
• Use a bucket of soapy water to re-soap rags or sponges throughout the wash rather than adding more soap directly to rags or sponges.
• Wring sponges and wash rags into buckets, not the ground.
• Conserve water by using a spray nozzle with an automatic shut off and shutting off or kinking the hose when not in use.
• Always empty buckets into the sanitary sewer system (e.g. sinks or toilets).

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.