WHAT NOT TO FLUSH

Protecting wastewater starts with each of us, so please...

Flush only toilet paper in the toilet!

Your drains are not a trash can.  The water from your home or business ends up in one of the most beautiful parts of our community - the San Francisco Bay.  Disposing anything other than toilet paper down the drains can cause Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) and will severely impact your plumbing system, the sewer system, and processes at the treatment plant.

PROTECTING WATER QUALITY STARTS WITH EACH OF US!

Your drains are not a trash can. The water from your home or business (toilet, shower, kitchen, etc.) ends up into one of the most beautiful parts of our community, the San Francisco Bay.

Throwing anything other than toilet paper down the drains can cause sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and will severely impact your plumbing system, the city’s sewer system, and the processes at the treatment plant.

"Flushable Wipes " Issues during covid news goes viral

MARIN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITIES

Residents of Marin County, may bring paint, adhesives, motor oil, pesticides, ousehold batteries, latex paint, computer monitors, televisions, household electronics, and bleach cleaners to the facility free of charge. Businesses may dispose of small quantities of hazardous waste by appointment and for a fee. Please call the facility for a list of approved materials and to make arrangements. 

Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility (marinhhw.com) 
565 Jacoby St., San Rafael 
Residential (415) 485-6806
Business (415) 485-5648.

LINKS FOR EDUCATORS

Curriculum Materials for students K thru 12 from the Water Environment Federation.

What happens after the flush? - A brochure from the EPA.

Schedule a tour of our facilities.

LINKS FOR KIDS

Environmental Kids Club - Environmental fun and games from the folks at the EPA.

English Home - Marin Waste Water Treatment Education

Schedule a tour of our facilities.

Downloadable Materials for Kids - Coloring pages and Word Scrambles

DON'T FLUSH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Prescription drugs flushed down the toilet and other chemicals introduced into the Bay Area’s wastewater collection systems have been detected in the Bay’s estuaries and marine life. Since wastewater treatment plants are generally not equipped to detect or remove the evolving collection of ingredients in this chemical cocktail, it makes more sense to treat the source if possible, rather than to deal with expensive downstream problems.

Instead, bag them up and safely dispose of them at a one of the 3 drop off sites below:

Belvedere Police Department

450 San Rafael Avenue
Belvedere, CA, 94920

(415) 699-3540

Medicine Kiosks

Hours of Operation

Monday- Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tiburon Police Department

1155 Tiburon Boulevard
Tiburon, CA, 94920

(415) 871-652

Medicine Kiosks

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

CVS Pharmacy 01483

1599 Tiburon Boulevard
Tiburon, CA, 94920

(415) 435-3843

Medicine Kiosks

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday-Sunday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

How You Can Help

The pipeline leading from a home or business, called a sewer lateral or side sewer, connects to the District's sewer main. The sewer lateral is the responsibility of the property owner.

Backflow Prevention

If your home or business fronts on a steep road, there is a risk of sewage backup. Contact the District to determine if you have a proper backflow prevention device installed.

Report Overflows

Call the District at (415) 435-1501 if you notice sewage overflow in the street. If the backup is on private property, the property owner is generally responsible, and a plumber should be called.

Dispose of Toxics Properly

Common household substances—such as paint, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, and battery fluids—are toxic pollutants. Keep them out of the sewer system.

Call (415) 499-7868 for more information on toxic materials.

Report Root Clearing

Notify the District before clearing roots from your sewer lateral, so the District can prevent chopped roots from clogging the sewer mains.

Protect Your Sewer Line

Your sewer line should never be broken or cut to connect to a rain gutter. Tree roots or contaminants can enter, creating maintenance, health, and environmental problems.