When plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, pesticides, chemicals and other harmful waste is on the ground, it gets washed into storm drains and directly into our waterways. In addition to potentially choking, suffocating, or disabling aquatic life — like ducks, fish, turtles and birds — litter decreases oxygen levels in the water when it decays. If it’s on the ground, it’s in our water Litter is one of the most unsightly forms of pollution in our local waterways and can easily be prevented. The lifespan (decomposition time) of commonly littered items: Cigarette butts 1–5 years Plastic bags 10–20 years Aluminum cans 200–500 years Glass bottles 1 million years We can make an impact each day by picking up 1 piece of litter — that’s 365 fewer pieces of litter on our streets, in our parks, and around our schools — thanks to you. Protect our water from hazardous spills Spills and leaks from contaminants can be dangerous if left unattended. In addition, spilled chemicals can also pollute our streams and drinking water supplies, as well as harm pets, plants and wildlife. Prevention is key! • Keep unused containers closed tightly • Store materials inside or under cover • Never use storm drains, gutters, ditches, or swales for waste disposal • Keep waste container lids closed www.clackamas.us/wes/spills-and-leaks Learn about spills & leaks SERVICE GUIDE| 2025 17
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