Actions You Can Take
- Prevent vehicle fluids, such as oil and antifreeze, from entering a creek, stream, or storm drain by disposing of them properly.
- Contain spilled fluids immediately with rags, kitty litter, or other absorbent material.
- Check cars for leaks and have the car repaired if any are found. Keep cars tuned up.
- Store hazardous materials properly in the original closed container.
- Dispose of any unwanted chemicals at a household hazardous waste collection center. Never pour hazardous chemicals into the street, ditch, gutter, creek, stream, or storm drain.
- Do not mix different engine liquids.
- Recycle used motor oil. Some gas stations and auto supply stores will accept used oil.
- Use ground cloths or drip pans beneath the vehicle if there are leaks or when working on vehicles.
- When washing cars at home, use a shutoff nozzle on the hose to reduce runoff.
- Park cars on the lawn to wash them so that it will allow some of the pollutants to be filtered out before entering the closest water body.
- Use a bucket and sponge. Save using the hose for the final rinse.
- Look for car care products that do not contain dyes and phenols.
*Information on this Web Page excerpted from City of Concord, Copyright 2019, and City of Winston-Salem, Copyright 2006-2020