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Nobody likes litter. It’s unsightly and pollutes our environment. As it happens, about 80% of litter found in our local waterways originated from land. Make every day Earth Day! Taking care of our environment is a very important job that everyone can do, including you! 

Imagine how much of an impact we can make if we all pitched in and took action? Whether it’s making a conscious effort not to litter, saying “no, thanks” to single-use plastics, and picking up litter when you see it—YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

In an effort to help establish a litter-free San Mateo County and reduce the amount of litter found in our waterways, Flows To Bay has launched a litter pledge to encourage everyone to be committed to keeping your neighborhood, community, business and school — LITTER FREE!

Flows To Bay Litter Pledge

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Here Are More Litter Prevention Tips

  • Bring Your Own (BYO…) – Reusable bags to the store, water bottles to the gym or the park, beverage mug to the coffee shop…you get the idea. The 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) still ring true. The fewer single-use products you buy, the less trash you create.
  • Don’t litter. Make an extra effort to place your trash in the nearest trash bin. Keep garbage and recycling cans tightly covered to prevent litter from being blown away or scattered by animals. 
  • Cover your load. If you have a truck, cover any items that could blow onto the road.
  • Pick it up. Show you care for your community and inspire others by picking up litter that isn’t yours. Go one step further and help organize a community clean-up with your neighbors and friends.
  • Green your garden. Use non-toxic pest control methods, conserve water, and befriend native plants to keep your garden happy and healthy.
  • Encourage local businesses to reuse, recycle, and generate less packaging. Ask your local stores and shops if they recycle or take back packaging, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, etc.
  • Support manufacturers who are eco-friendly. Encourage the use of green design and support manufacturers who take responsibility for their products at the end of their usefulness. Vote with your dollars!
  • Drop off items that can’t go in the trash. Contact the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program or visit our household hazardous waste page to learn about the proper disposal of common household toxic products that require special care.
  • Get Involved! Help local waterways by cleaning up litter with us. Check out our calendar to find events to participate in and build a stronger community. 
  • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and see how we’re maintaining a litter-free San Mateo County. Become inspired with our suggestions to live eco-friendly or provide your own suggestions!

Cigarette Butt Litter Reduction Program

Closeup of a cigarette butt thrown on the pavement

When butts are littered onto streets and sidewalks, they are easily washed, blown, or flicked down storm drains that lead straight into local creeks, the Bay, and the Pacific Ocean without any treatment. In addition to being unsightly, cigarette butts never disappear because they are made of plastic and do not biodegrade. They are toxic to marine and freshwater fish.

San Mateo County is leading the charge in reducing the number of cigarette butts we see in our community by providing community resources and connecting with local cities, non-profits, and the Sheriff’s Departments to raise public awareness about the harmful impacts littered butts have on our environment.

Click here to see how you can help and to learn more.