Protect Our Waterways: No Yard Waste or Chemicals in Storm Drains

Published on April 14, 2026

By the Office of Communication

As we head outdoors in the warmer weather to wake up our gardens, we can sometimes forget that our driveways and lawns act as a giant funnel for the local ecosystem. The same spring showers that make our flowers pop also carry everything in their path—from grass clippings to excess pesticides—directly into our storm drains and into the heart of our waterways. Protecting our rivers and lakes doesn't require a professional degree; it simply requires a shift in how we handle our weekend chores.

Melissa Walker, Arlington's Environmental Education Specialist, offers these responsible landscaping tips to help keep our local waterways healthy and clean.

• Manage Yard Waste: Never sweep or blow leaves, grass clippings, or tree trimmings into streets, gutters, concrete channels, or any waterway. Sweeping grass clippings back onto your lawn provides vital nutrients to your landscape. You can also add them to a compost pile for your flowerbeds and gardens. For more information about grass clipping and yard waste disposal, visit www.arlingtontx.gov/recycle.
• Avoid or Reduce Chemical Usage: Limit the use of broad-spectrum pesticides by developing an Integrated Pest Management plan for your lawn and garden. Using least toxic methods first can reduce the amount of harmful chemicals that are released into the environment. Take Care of Texas offers a list of natural ways to get rid of weeds and pests.
• Read the Label: Select and apply fertilizers or pesticides according to manufacturer instructions. Remember to properly store and dispose of household, lawn and pool chemicals. Remove excess fertilizer or pesticide from driveways and sidewalks. Never apply fertilizers or pesticides when rain is forecasted.  
• Go Native: Part of a good Integrated Pest Management plan is starting with native and adaptive plants that require less water and fewer chemicals. Visit Texas SmartScape's website for more information on North Texas native plants.
• Dispose of Trash Properly: Ensure that any yard waste debris is transported in a vehicle secured with a tarp or cover. Residents can dispose of household hazardous waste for free either at a City of Arlington Household Hazardous Waste collection event, typically held once a month, or at the Environmental Collection Center in the City of Fort Worth, 6400 Bridge St. in Fort Worth. Residents must provide a current driver's license or water bill as proof of Arlington residency for free drop off at the Fort Worth Environmental Collection Center. 

Beyond lawn and garden maintenance, illegal dumping creates serious health and safety concerns and makes our community look unattractive. Illegal dumpsites often contain dangerous materials like broken glass, exposed metal, and hazardous waste.  

• Ecological Damage: Contamination can lead to a loss of vegetation in riparian areas, increasing erosion and disrupting the food chain.
• Public Health: Dumpsites attract pests like rats, mice, and mosquitoes, which can cause significant health and safety issues.
• Economic Burden: Polluted water resources increase costs for water treatment facilities, and nearby property values often decrease.
• Infrastructure Risks: Blocked storm drains from dumped material like tires, construction debris, or yard waste increase the risk of flooding.
• Report Illegal Dumping: Call the City’s action center at 817-459-6777 or file an online report at www.arlingtontx.gov/contact