STORMWATER / WET TRASH
Dumpster to Storm Drain Guide
A visual, plain-language explanation of the pathway from exposed waste to pavement, drainage infrastructure and downstream water.
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Why this resource matters
Stormwater education works best when the pathway is concrete. Rain can reach waste, contact residue, escape through leaks or overflow, and then follow pavement slope, gutters, trench drains or inlets. The goal is to break that pathway with source control and housekeeping.
Key points
- Exposure: rain reaches open lids, overflow, loose waste or dirty pavement.
- Contact: water can pick up food residue, grease, sediment, paper and other material.
- Escape: leaks, splash and overflow move water outside the container or enclosure.
- Conveyance: pavement and drainage features determine where the water goes next.
- Source control: close lids, prevent overflow, repair leaks, sweep loose waste and keep wash water out of storm drains.
Educational and program information only. Local requirements, site conditions and regulatory decisions vary by jurisdiction.