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Leaves will clog the Storm Drains
Clean Up Leaves To Protect Creeks From Storm Drain Pollution
Thorough yard clean-ups can do more than improve the looks of the neighborhood. Keeping leaves out of the street, gutter and storm drains will help to protect local creeks from storm drain pollution year-round, and help to prevent flooding in winter. The City of Santa Clara Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program recommends that residents keep gutters clear all year long, and that they complete a thorough yard cleanup before winter rains begin. Properties with multiple trees may need more than one clean-up during the fall and winter seasons.
Sweep or rake fallen leaves and yard debris into piles and place them in the Clean Green cart for curbside collection. Do not blow or rake leaves into the street. Clogged storm drains and catch basins are a major cause of neighborhood flooding during winter rainstorms. And in the fall, if the wet weather begins before all clean-up projects are complete, please cover or contain the piles of leaves, dirt, sand or other materials so that they are not washed into the street or gutter. All fertilizers and pesticides should be stored indoors or under cover.
For more information on yard waste, go to Garbage and Clean Green, or contact Mission Trail Waste Systems at (408) 727-5365. To report a clogged storm drain, or for more information on ways to prevent storm drain pollution, call the Street Department Corporation Yard at (408) 615-3080.
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Dispose of obsolete TV antennas
Dispose of old TV antennas through the Annual Clean-Up Campaign or through a scrap metal dealer.
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Recycle telephone books at your curb
In with the new, out with the old - phone directories. Outdated or unwanted telephone books may be recycled any time during the year. Place old directories in blue Recycling cart for curbside collection, or drop them off at Recology located at 650 Martin Ave., in Santa Clara. Businesses are limited to dropping off 10 phone books at one time. Telephone book recycling is a cooperative effort of Pacific Bell, haulers, and the City of Santa Clara.
For more information, go to Recycling, or call Recology at (408) 970-5100, or the City's Environmental programs staff at (408) 615-3080.
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Properly dispose of old TVs and computer monitors
Old computer monitors, televisions, some camcorders and other electronic devices contain cathode ray tubes (CRTs), often called "picture tubes," which convert an electronic signal into a visual image. They cannot be disposed of in the garbage or trash. A typical CRT contains between two and five pounds of lead. Lead is a toxic substance, which may cause lead poisoning and can be especially harmful to young children. If products containing lead are disposed of in the trash, the lead can potentially contaminate the soil and our water supplies.
When tested, most CRTs exceed the regulatory threshold for lead and are identified as universal waste when discarded. Waste CRTs are subject to universal waste regulations that went into effect August 3, 2001. The regulations protect the environment by promoting the safe collection and recycling of waste CRTs. Disposing of CRTs to the trash or the municipal landfill is prohibited. Residents should take their unwanted CRTs to a collection facility.
Working televisions or computer monitors can be donated to various organizations or disposed of through the County Household Hazardous Waste Program. To make an appointment for one of the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Offs, call (408) 299-7300.
