Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Prevent Bay Pollution

To report suspicious discharges into the storm drain, call 911 immediately! The City of Milpitas Fire Department responds to reports about illegal dumping into storm drains. Everything that goes down a storm drain flows directly into local waterways and eventually into the Bay.

Only Rain Down the Storm DrainCommon pollutants include:

  • Pesticides and fertilizers
  • Motor oil
  • Paints
  • Grass clippings
  • Litter
  • Pet waste

Be the Solution to Water Pollution

  • You can help keep our streets and creeks trash-free by reducing single-use plastic. Instead of plastic bags that clog up our waterways, use a reusable bag on your next shopping trip. When you get take-out turn down the plastic utensils and use reusable silverware
  • Help pick up litter. Since 2007, creek cleanup participants have removed 1.1 million gallons of trash from local creeks in Santa Clara County. Check out the Santa Clara County Creek Cleanup Fact Sheet (PDF) to learn more.
  • Learn How Trash Gets Into Creeks (PDF)

Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Santa Clara County Hazardous Waste Program provides Saturday drop-off centers for medicines, cleaning chemicals, and batteries, etc. This service is free for Milpitas residents. To participate, make an appointment online at the Santa Clara County HHW website or call (408) 299-7300.

Business Tips

Learn business practices to help reduce stormwater pollution and more at the My Watershed Watch website.