A closed dumpster protects the ocean.

Tue, 01/24/2023 - 12:00
Environmental Health & Safety
January 24, 2023

Closing dumpster lids is an important step in preventing rainwater from entering and leaking out of the dumpster. When the lid is left open, rainwater can easily enter the dumpster and potentially leak out, causing damage to the surrounding area and potentially contaminating nearby surface water sources. 

Furthermore, when the lid is left open, wind can easily blow trash out of the dumpster and into the surrounding area. This not only creates an eyesore, but it can also make its way into storm drains and eventually end up in the Santa Ana River, which flows to the ocean. 

By closing the dumpster lids, we can prevent rainwater from entering and leaking out, and we can also prevent wind from blowing trash out of the dumpster. This simple step can greatly reduce the amount of trash that ends up in our rivers and oceans and can help to keep our campus cleaner and more beautiful. 

Keeping the dumpster lids closed is an easy and effective way to prevent pollution. It's a small step that can have a big impact in protecting the environment. 

You can help us keep our campus a clean campus! Report any Stormwater issues on campus, such as pollutants or illicit discharges to EH&S, Call (951) 827-7529, email ucrcleanwater@ucr.edu or report online https://ehs.ucr.edu/report  

Learn more about Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination (IDDE) at https://ehs.ucr.edu/cleanwater, take our online training in the UC Learning Center or come to the Stormwater Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping Training on February 7, 2023 from 10:00am – 11:00am at EH&S. You can register in the UC Learning Center or contact ehstraining@ucr.edu for more information.