fbpx

Mobile cleaning activities generate significant quantities of wash water as a result of their washing operations at various sites. Wash water can contain dirt, debris, soap, oil, grease, acid solution, solvents, paint chips, metals, and/or food waste. Washwater discharged to the storm drain system contributes to urban runoff pollution. Even “biodegradable” cleaning agents may cause immediate damage to aquatic ecosystems.

Best Practices

Follow these best practices to prevent pollution, protect public health, and avoid fines or other enforcement action.

Plan Ahead

  • Become a BASMAA Recognized Mobile Cleaner or renew your pollution prevention training certificate. Take the online training program for surface cleaners from BASMAA (Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association). This program will train you on how to clean different surfaces in an environmentally acceptable way and publish your name as a trained cleaner. 
  • Determine where you will discharge wastewater before starting a new job.
  • Be sure to have equipment on hand (i.e. long hoses, sump pump, etc.) for directing discharge to sanitary sewer access points.
  • Ensure hoses are long enough to reach access points that are far from your holding tank.
  • Contact your local hardware or construction material stores for available tools and materials for mobile businesses including wet/dry vacuums and sump pumps, mats, sand or gravel bags, wattles, etc.
storm drain

Before You Start Cleaning

  • Identify Storm Drain Locations: Walk around the job site and identify where all storm drains are located. Wash water must not be allowed to flow into the storm drains.
  • Protect Drains and Collect Water: Contact your local City stormwater inspector to determine specific discharge requirements. Obtain permission to discharge to the property owner’s sanitary sewer plumbing or landscaping before starting the job.
  • Dispose Wash Water Properly: Contact your local wastewater treatment plant for specific discharge requirements entering the sanitary sewer system. Obtain permission from the property owner to discharge wash water at the job site or the contractor’s place of business.

Options For Disposal

  • Never drain wash or rinse water into streets, gutters, parking lots, or storm drains.
  • Wash and rinse waters can usually be discharged to the sanitary sewer through a drain at the property owner’s home or business, such as a utility sink, floor drain, mop sink, cleanout, or toilet. Take precautions to prevent debris, hazardous materials, or anything that can clog from entering sinks, toilets, or sanitary drains.
  • Direct water to landscaping or gravel surfaces. Wash water must completely soak into vegetation before you leave the site.

Additional Resources

Contact Information