Trash Bins: Water Pollution's Unlikely Hero

Waterways are often polluted by trash, which can be carried into nearby rivers and oceans by wind or rain. One way to prevent this is to reduce the amount of waste we create, by using reusable products instead of single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers. In addition, we can properly dispose of our waste in trash bins, rather than littering it on the ground, where it can be blown or washed into nearby waterways. Trash bins can also be cleaned, to prevent contaminated wastewater from entering our lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Reduce the amount of waste you create

The most effective way to prevent trash from polluting our waterways is to reduce the amount of waste you create. You can do this by replacing single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers with reusable products or eliminating packaging when possible. For example, you could buy used clothing and household items and repair broken items rather than replacing them.

You should also properly dispose of your waste. Make sure that you throw your masks, wipes, and latex gloves in the trash and not in the recycling bin, street, parking lot, or sidewalk.

Additionally, you can participate in local waterway cleanups to help remove trash from the environment and collect data on the types of litter found.

Replace single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers with reusable products

The most effective way to prevent trash from polluting our waterways is to reduce the amount of waste we create. Single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers are a major source of water pollution. When we use reusable bottles, they can be used over and over again and don’t create the same carbon footprint/pollution when used.

Reusable packaging is a proven circular solution that can dramatically and quickly reduce the amount of plastic bottles and cups that are produced and that will reach the oceans. A 10-percentage point increase in reusable beverage packaging by 2030 could eliminate over 1 trillion single-use plastic bottles and cups and prevent up to 153 billion of these containers from entering our world’s oceans and waterways.

To reduce the amount of single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers we use, we can switch to reusable products. For example, we can use reusable sandwich bags and containers for our lunches. We can also bring our own containers and utensils when we order food to go.

We can also opt for recycled plastic products, such as fashion items, and reuse and recycle what we already have.

Dispose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) properly

The most effective way to prevent trash from polluting our waterways is to reduce the amount of waste you create. This can be achieved by replacing single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers with reusable products or eliminating packaging when possible.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for preventing the spread of infections in environmental services (ES). However, using and disposing of PPE incorrectly can increase the risk of exposure and contamination. Disposing of PPE properly is just as essential as using it correctly, as improper disposal can lead to environmental pollution, resource waste, and infection transmission.

To dispose of PPE properly, you should:

• Dispose of PPE immediately after use. Do not reuse or share single-use PPE unless it has been cleaned and disinfected.
• Place the PPE in designated containers or bags that are labeled, colour-coded, or marked according to the type and level of contamination. For example, contaminated PPE with blood or body fluids should be placed in red bags labelled as biohazardous waste.
• Seal the bags until disposal.
• Have a used PPE collection and handling plan to reduce liabilities and help protect the health of your workforce and surrounding communities. The plan should follow the PPE from the minute it leaves a person's hand until final disposal, including the proper placement of receptacles marked for used PPE only and complimentary signage that is easy to understand.
• Wash your hands again with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after removing PPE.

Participate in local waterway cleanups

One of the most effective ways to prevent trash from polluting our waterways is to reduce the amount of waste we create. This can be done by replacing single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers with reusable products or eliminating packaging altogether. We can also buy used clothing and household items, and repair broken items instead of replacing them. Marine litter often occurs when trash is poorly managed on land. If trash is intentionally or accidentally littered on the ground, wind or rain can carry it into nearby waterways, where it travels downstream and can ultimately end up in the ocean.

To prevent this, we can participate in local waterway cleanups. This involves organising and taking part in community efforts to remove trash from streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. By doing so, we can reduce the amount of trash that ends up in our waterways and help to protect the environment.

One example of a local waterway cleanup is the litter audit conducted by students in Masonville Cove, MD. The students removed trash from the environment and collected data on the types of litter they found. This not only helps to improve the health of the waterway but also provides valuable information for future trash capture projects and research efforts.

Additionally, we can support businesses that prioritise environmental sustainability. For instance, OC Clean A Can offers a curbside trash can cleaning, sanitising, and deodorising service in Orange County. They use an advanced, self-contained, five-stage filtration system that minimises water usage and ensures wastewater does not enter the storm drainage system. By properly disposing of wastewater at a regulated grey water dumping station, they help to reduce pollution in the nearby ocean.

Use a trash bin cleaning service

The most effective way to prevent trash from polluting our waterways is to reduce the amount of waste you create. You can do this by replacing single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers with reusable products or eliminating packaging when possible. You can also buy used clothing and household items, and repair broken items instead of replacing them.

Another way to prevent water pollution is to use a trash bin cleaning service. Trash bins can be a source of water pollution, especially in areas with a high population density and a large number of businesses close to the ocean, such as Orange County. The contaminated wastewater from cleaning trash bins can end up in lakes, rivers, and the ocean, causing environmental damage.

OC Clean A Can is one such service that provides a curbside trash can cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing service for residents and businesses who find it difficult, unpleasant, and time-consuming to clean their trash bins themselves. Their specially designed, fully contained mobile washing system uses a minimal quantity of water per receptacle and ensures that wastewater does not enter the storm drainage system. At the end of the cleaning day, the wastewater is properly disposed of at a regulated grey water dumping station.

By using a trash bin cleaning service like OC Clean A Can, you can help reduce water pollution and protect the environment.

Frequently asked questions