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MCSTOPPP debuts litter-picking creek critter decals on streets and invites residents to join community cleanups to help keep litter out of local waterways

Marin County, CA –  When trash is left on streets of Marin County, wind and rain can carry it into storm drains and eventually local creeks, wetlands, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. With El Niño conditions anticipated to bring the potential for wetter weather this winter, keeping streets, gutters and storm drains free of litter is especially important before increased rainfall can carry that debris into local waterways.

 The Marin Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) is engaging homeowners, neighborhoods, and business organizations in the “EPIC” (Every Piece Inspires Change) countywide public education campaign encouraging simple daily actions that prevent litter from reaching local waterways.

As part of the campaign, approximately 200 decals feature creek critters including local wildlife like pelicans, ducks, otters, herons, kingfishers and frogs, each depicted holding pieces of trash to highlight the connection between street litter and the health of Marin’s creeks and bays. The decals have been strategically installed in areas identified through visual trash assessments as having higher concentrations of litter and land use. These include commercial and industrial areas and high-density residential neighborhoods. You will notice decals placed at community centers, parks, public trash cans, libraries, transit stops, bike paths, light pole banners and other public rights-of-way throughout Marin.

Every Piece Makes a Difference

Preventing trash from reaching Marin’s waterways starts with simple actions at home, at work and throughout the community. Residents and businesses can help protect Marin’s waterways through everyday actions:

  • Check sidewalks, gutters and the frontage of your property for litter, particularly after garbage collection day.
  • Keep garbage and recycling containers properly closed and covered.
  • Carry a small trash bag in your vehicle and dispose of waste in the appropriate receptacle.
  • Choose reusable products such as grocery bags, water bottles and utensils, when possible.
  • Know where storm drains on and around your property lead, including your backyard drainage.
  • Move vehicles on scheduled street-sweeping days so sweepers can effectively clean the curb and gutter.
  • Secure and cover loads being transported in trucks and trailers.
  • Properly dispose of cigarette butts rather than leaving them on sidewalks, streets or landscaping.
  • Join a community cleanup or organize one of your own.

MCSTOPPP can provide cleanup supplies such as litter pickers, gloves, safety vests, buckets and bags to support community volunteer efforts. Email MCSTOPPP to learn about organizing a cleanup or requesting materials.

“Making small behavior changes every day can have a lasting positive impact on water quality for people and wildlife,” said Rob Carson, Stormwater Program Administrator at MCSTOPPP. “The goal is to help people recognize that our streets and waterways are connected. Keeping even one piece of litter off the street is one less piece that can make its way into a storm drain, creek or the Bay.  Residents can put this message into action by joining one of several upcoming cleanup events across Marin. Stay tuned for upcoming dates on the MCSTOPPP website.

MCSTOPPP, established in 1993, works with Marin County and its 11 cities and towns to help each meet the requirements of their Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permits under the federal Clean Water Act. The program supports municipalities by assisting with stormwater permit compliance to help protect and improve stormwater quality across more than 3,000 miles of creeks, bays, and waterways throughout the county. Its work includes public education, water sampling and monitoring, pollution and litter prevention, trash capture projects, Green Stormwater Infrastructure, and other initiatives aimed at reducing pollutants entering Marin’s creeks, wetlands, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.

MCSTOPPP is administered by the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and staffed by Marin County Department of Public Works employees.

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