When plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, pesticides, chemicals, and other harmful waste are left on the ground, they get washed into storm drains and end up in our waterways. Litter can choke, suffocate, or harm aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. As litter breaks down, it also lowers the oxygen levels in the water. If it’s on the ground, it’s in our water Litter is an ugly form of pollution in our local waterways, but it’s easy to prevent. Here’s how long some common litter takes to break down: Cigarette butts 1–5 years We can make a difference every day by picking up just one piece of litter and returning bottles and cans. That adds up to 365 fewer pieces on our streets, in our parks, and around our schools each year, all because of your effort. Protect our water from hazardous spills If spills and leaks from contaminants are not cleaned up, they can be dangerous. Chemicals that spill can pollute streams and drinking water, and can also harm pets, plants, and wildlife. The best way to protect our water is to prevent spills in the first place. • Always keep unused containers tightly closed. • Store materials indoors or make sure they are covered. • Do not pour waste into storm drains, gutters, ditches, or swales. • Make sure waste container lids are always closed. www.clackamas.us/wes/spills-and-leaks Learn about spills & leaks Plastic bags 10–20 years Aluminum cans 200–500 years Glass bottles 1 million years SERVICE GUIDE| 2026 17
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