• To get rid of unused or expired household products containing chemicals-- such as many cleaning products, most insecticides and pesticides, paints, solvents, used motor oil, etc. -- secure them safely until you can bring to a SCRRRA "Household Hazardous Waste Day"-- free events hosted by area towns. Never pour them into sinks or toilets, onto the ground, or into storm drains.
• Look for info on current year's events on the SCRRRA site: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days.
• Also, before purchasing products with a hazard warning, check to see if there are less harmful alternatives. Often there are-- plus they may be less expensive. Some may be reportedly less effective, but just as often, a gentler approach will suit the need, while the chemical is overkill and/or comes with more risk.   

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly; avoid applying them before a rainstorm, and use organic, slow-release fertilizers.
• Choose native plants and grasses. They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides -- and they help support critical pollinators.
• Compost or mulch yard waste. Don’t leave it in or near the street or sweep it into storm drains. You can use a composting mower or hand scatter grass clippings. And note, leaves may be brought loose or in brown paper bags to the Transfer Station-- but may also be mulched and left on your lawn.  

• Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater or wash your car on a grass or gravel area so the water infiltrates into the ground.
• Check your car often for drips and oil leaks and fix them promptly. Don’t hose leaks into the storm drain, use kitty litter or sand to absorb and dispose of properly. Use drip pans if necessary.
• Dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations including the Flanders Road Transfer Station.

• Scoop up pet waste and dispose of properly, even in wooded areas. Flushing pet waste is the best method because our sanitary sewer system (i.e. Water Pollution Control Authority) treats the waste as part of its wastewater treatment. Disposing of baggies in your garbage pail, however, is also fine. Never dump pet waste into a storm drain.
• Dog waste stations are located at the following Groton parks: Poquonnock Plains Park, Farquhar Park, Esker Point Waterfront Park, and the Copp Family Park (includes "Central Bark" Dog Park). An interactive park viewer offers more detail on these sites.

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