Public Works

Report Storm Drain Dumping

When rain or water from garden hoses and sprinklers flows over our streets and yards, it carries pollutants into the storm drains. Pollutants like motor oil, pesticides, paints, grass clippings, fertilizers, litter, and pet waste. In most places, whatever goes down a storm drain flows directly—without treatment—into local creeks, streams, rivers, and eventually into the ocean, threatening water quality for humans and wildlife.

To report the dumping or leaving of hazardous materials, like motor oil, gasoline, or paint into or near a storm drain, call 911 immediately.

How to Report Illegal Dumping

Call (562) 570-DUMP to report the dumping of non-hazardous materials, like grass clippings and pet waste, into the storm drain and leave a description and address. If you would like someone to follow up with your report, leave your area code and phone number.

For more information stormwater pollution, visit Stormwater webpage.

Pesticides, Fertilizers, Paints, and Solvents

Pesticides, fungicides and insecticides that wash off your yards from rain or over watering can be toxic to our environment. Follow the package's directions before using and whenever possible, use non-toxic alternatives to pest control. Always take unwanted leftovers to a household hazardous waste collection center. Never throw pesticides in the trash or in a storm drain. To find the nearest household hazardous waste collection center, please call (888) Clean-LA. Call (800) 98-TOXIC for the HAZMOBILE schedule and information.

Fertilizers can harm our environment. Fertilizers promote algae growth in our waterways. As the algae decomposes it depletes the oxygen level in the water and harms aquatic life. When using fertilizers follow the application instructions, do not over water, and do not apply if rain is forecasted.

If you're using latex or water based paints, you can wash your paintbrushes directly in your kitchen or bathroom sink. Never rinse your brushes in the street. Storm drains lead to the ocean. If you must use oil based paints, handle cleanup properly by rinsing brushes with solvent into a container. Filter and reuse thinner and solvent. Take unusable liquid and residue to a household hazardous waste collection center. For more information on household hazardous waste collection, call (888) Clean-LA or visit Clean LA.

For Pet Waste, Yard Waste, and Grass Clippings

Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and organisms that can spread disease. Pick up after your pet; seal it in a bag, and dispose of it in trashcans. Do not hose waste into storm drains!

Yard and grass clippings can reach our local waterways by washing into storm drains. Keep green waste out of the storm drains and grass cycle and composting instead. For information on free composting workshops, visit longbeach.gov/lbrecycles or call (562) 570-2876. To purchase a compost bin, call refuse/recycling at (562) 570-2876.

Used Motor Oil and Oil filters

Did you know that each year over 180 million gallons of motor oil are disposed illegally by people who change the oil in their trucks and cars? Never put motor oil in the trash, pour it on the ground, or down a storm drain. Recycle it instead! 

How Long Beach Residents Can Recycle Used Oil:

• Place it next to your purple recycle bin for collection. Motor oil must be in a special container for curbside collection. For free containers delivery, call (800) RECYCL2 or
• Take it to a certified used oil collection center

Call (562) 570-2876, (800) RECYCL2 or visit LB Recycles for more information on recycling oil.

What are the most common pollutants found during a beach clean up?

Cigarette butts, foamed plastic pieces, paper pieces, food bags, plastic caps/lids, glass pieces, straws, beverage bottles.

What number do I call for clogged catch basins?

(562) 570-2700

What are the most common pollutants found during a beach clean up?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a non-toxic alternative for post control by using beneficial insects, like ladybugs, to control unwanted insects. For more information, visit Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.

Best Stormwater Management Practices (BMP)

Prevent stormwater pollution by using best management practices available on the Stormwater webpage.

• Clean up after your pet and dispose waste in trash
• Use waterproof diapers when toddlers are in water, and always put soiled diapers in the trash
• Recycle your motor oil
• Take leftover household hazardous wastes to a HHW collection center
• Cover and maintain your garbage cans
• Inspect and maintain your car, boat, and motor home regularly to reduce leakage of oil and antifreeze
• Control runoff and prevent erosion at construction sites
• Use certified pump-out and dump stations to dispose of sewage from boats and recreational vehicles
• Develop and implement a "Spill Response Program"

Promote Pollution Prevention and Awareness in your Community

Participate in programs like storm drain stenciling, neighborhood clean-ups and the Annual Coastal Cleanup. Call (562) 570-1745 or visit Parks, Recreation and Marine for information on this year's coastal cleanup.