City of San Luis Obispo, CA
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Here Are Tips For The Food Service Industry to Help Keep Our Waterways Clean:
Waste Disposal
- Close dumpster lids to keep birds, vectors, and stormwater out
- Perform routine maintenance in the dumpster enclosure, including removal of surrounding debris and trash
- Contact your provider to repair or replace leaking or damaged dumpsters
- Never put liquid waste in dumpsters or trash cans
- Dispose of grease in appropriate receptacles
- Do NOT pour grease into storm drains or sanitary sewers
- Check out the City of San Luis Obispo's proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease here
Cleaning
- Use a mop sink or wash basin to dispose of waste water generated during cleaning activities
- Wash water from cleaning equipment such as filters, grills, and floor mats must be discharged to the sanitary sewers
- Sweep sidewalks, parking lots, and all paved surfaces before washing and don’t use detergent, hot water, or other cleansers
- Clean up spills immediately with absorbent material like rags or kitty litter instead of a hose
- Do NOT hose down spills
Employee Training
- Provide regular employee training on spill cleanup procedures and washing practices
- Label storm drains to discourage illegal, harmful dumping
- Post Best Management Practices (BMP) information where employees can see it
Some common pollutants from the food service industry include:
- Cooking oil and grease
- Food scraps
- Cleaning chemicals
- Brake pad dust from delivery vehicles
Runoff (stormwater and non-stormwater) from the food service industry can be a major source of these pollutants, and once released, these harmful pollutants can be transported to our Orange County rivers, creeks, and the ocean.