The Big 6 in Stormwater Pollutants

Everyone can do their part to help reduce pollutants from entering our waterways. Here are the Big 6 contributors and some ways in how the Town of Weston can help you.

SW The Big 6
SW 1 - yard waste
SW 2 - dog waste

1. Yard Waste

The Town’s Transfer Station accepts yard waste, from grass clippings, leaves and brush, to branches from trees and shrubs. In the spring and the fall, the Composting Facility on Merriam Street opens up for several weekends for larger yard cleanups. If you use a garbage collection service, you can purchase a Recycle Only permit in order to dispose of your yard waste. Bonus, free compost and woodchips are available for permit holders.

2. Pet Waste

Responsible dog owners bring baggies with them and pick up after their dogs and responsibly throw it away. Period. Then End.

They do not ignore the dog’s business and pretend it doesn’t happen. They don’t kick dirt and leaves over it, thinking it’s gone. And, they do not flick it further into the woods (gah!). They most especially don’t think that it naturally decomposes - because it doesn’t. 

SW 3 - litter
SW 4 - HH hazardous waste

3. Litter

Every April, the Annual Weston Town CleanUp is held and your participation is welcome. You don’t even have to wait until April. You can do it at any time.

4. Household Hazardous Waste

Every year in April, the Household Hazardous Waste collection is held at the Public Works facility. If you’ve missed it or cannot wait, there is a regional facility in Lexington.

SW 5 - vehicle
SW 6 - herbicide-pesticide

6. Pesticides & Herbicides

Did you know that mulching the leaves with your lawn mower in the fall provides excellent nutrients for your lawn and garden? It’ll save your back from raking or your neighbors’ ears from all the leaf blowing and it’s an easy way to promote a healthy lawn and garden without having to apply any chemicals (or money, or much effort).

Also, did you know that dandelions and clover are excellent early pollinating plants for our very hungry native pollinators? What is a "weed" anyway? They are not necessarily all "bad." 

A green lawn doesn’t really need to be all grass, which is an empty green desert that holds no value - well, except for the landscaper.