Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Many residents do not realize that Cerritos is linked to the Pacific Ocean through an intricate system of storm drains, designed to prevent flooding during heavy rains.

To prevent pollution, residents must be careful to keep our City's gutters and storm drains clear. Chemicals, trash and dirt that are washed into the storm drain system flow straight to the ocean, causing pollution, harming and killing wildlife, and damaging the recreational areas we all enjoy.

Household and Home Maintenance

Following are some tips for household and home maintenance:

Buy household products, such as cleaners and furniture polish, that are labeled "non-toxic;" use small quantities and buy only the amount you need
Use and store all cleaners, solvents and paint according to directions
Dispose of leftover household hazardous materials safely by taking it to a countywide Household Hazardous Waste Roundup; call (888) CLEAN-LA for the next scheduled event
Use kitty litter or another absorbent material to clean spills from concrete or asphalt, rather than hosing down the surface
Clean paint brushes carefully; filter and reuse paint thinner or brush cleaners
Recycle reusable materials; keep litter tightly covered in a trash can to prevent neighborhood animals from foraging

Lawn and Garden

Here are some tips for your lawn and garden:

Sweep up yard waste rather than using a hose; reuse leaves and yard clippings as compost
Pick up animal waste and dispose of it in trash cans

Automotive

Here are some vehicle tips:

Take used motor oil or antifreeze to a recycling center or gas station that recycles
Maintain your car to prevent leakage of oil, anti-freeze or other fluids
Cut vehicle emissions by maintaining your car, ride-sharing or using public transportation
Conserve water when washing your car; don't leave the hose running, and minimize soapy runoff to the street

For more information on stormwater protection measures, pick up a brochure from City Hall's Public Works counter.

Blocked or Polluted Storm Drain

To report a blocked or polluted storm drain, call the Cerritos Maintenance Division.

Hours

(562) 407-2632
7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

(562) 916-1220
3:30– 5 p.m.

(562) 860-4018
Emergency, after hours