Tips for businesses

Better for business and better for the environment


One of the most common types of pollution from businesses is contaminated water runoff, usually from cleaning and maintenance activities. Establishing simple Best Management Practices (BMPs) can prevent stormwater pollution, and it’s good business practice to show your clients and customers your concern for your local community and the environment.
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Work Sites
  • Locate the storm drains on or near your property. Do not allow materials to flow into these drains.
  • Examine your business premises for sources of pollution.
  • Identify specific activities with the potential to cause spills or release pollutants such as oil, grease, fuel, etc. Post signs and train employees on how to prevent and clean up spills during these activities.
  • Sweep or vacuum the floor of your business premises daily. Use a damp mop to clean work areas.
  • Never hose down surfaces into the street, gutter or storm drain.
  • Use non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible.
Dumpsters
  • Cover dumpsters to keep insects, animals and rainwater from entering. Keep the area around the dumpster clear of trash and debris. Do not overfill dumpsters.
  • Call your trash hauler to replace leaking dumpsters.
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Landscaping
  • Never sweep leaves, grass cuttings or pruning waste into the street, gutter or storm drain. Use biodegradable yard waste bags and trash cans only for yard waste. Do not use plastic bags; they will not be collected.
  • Yard waste is collected on Mondays only in the City of Manassas.
  • Plant native vegetation to reduce the need for water, fertilizer and pesticides.
  • Try not to over water and periodically inspect hoses and sprayers for leaks.
  • Never apply pesticides or fertilizers when rain is predicted within 48 hours.
  • Take unwanted pesticides to HHW Collection day at the Manassas Transfer Station.
Preventing Leaks & Spills
  • Train employees on how to properly clean up spills and waste.
  • Document employee training.
  • Keep a spill kit with absorbent materials in the work area.
  • Check equipment, wipe up spills and repair leaks on a daily basis.
  • Contain equipment spills and leaks in suitable pans until the fluids are drained.
  • Promptly dispose of collected fluids into a hazardous waste drum.
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Cleaning Spills
  • Never hose a spill into the street, gutter or storm drain.
  • Clean up spills immediately by using a broom, damp mop or rag.
  • For larger spills, use absorbents such as rags, cat litter or sand. If the material spilled is hazardous, dispose of the rag, litter or sand in the same manner as hazardous waste. If the material spilled is nonhazardous, dispose of it in the trash.
  • Immediately report spills that have entered the street, gutter or storm drain. Call the Stormline on 703-257-8378 and you will be directed to the appropriate staff member.
Grease & Oil Disposal
  • Never put food waste down the drain. Food scraps often contain grease, which can clog drains, pipes and sewers.
  • Contain grease and oil by using covered grease storage containers or installing a grease interceptor.
  • Grease control devices must be emptied by permitted companies only.
  • Keep maintenance records on site.
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