Don't let your pipes go to the birds

After big holiday meals, no one likes to be the one stuck doing clean-up. But if you aren't careful with leftover gravy, pan drippings and sauces a grease-clogged drain could end up costing you a wing and a leg. To help combat the fat, Clean Water Services is offering a free "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain Kit" to residents. Call (503) 681-3678 or email to get your kit including a pan scrapper, can lid and easy-to-follow instructions to:

1. Scrape grease and food scraps into a can.
2. Freeze it.
3. Toss it into the trash.

When fats, oils and grease are poured down the drain, they stick to the inside of pipes causing messy sewer backups and expensive cleanup and repair in your home. As a double whammy, the untreated wastewater may flow into streets, neighborhood storm drains and ultimately the nearest river or stream causing problems for surrounding communities and the environment.

The haz and the haz nots

If you or a contractor are doing any household remodeling, remember to properly dispose of waste materials. Never dump paint, cleaning chemicals, grout, concrete or soap on your driveway, curb or in the street. All these surfaces lead to stormdrains which carry pollutants to the nearest stream or river. Instead, take these steps to protect public health and the environment:

• Take leftover paint, solvents and pesticides to one of Metro's hazardous waste facilities. Call (503) 234-3000 for information.
• Use washout areas when cleaning up after concrete and dump into mixers for reuse. Allow small amounts of excess concrete to harden in a box before throwing into the trash.
• Recycle empty, clean paint cans and empty aerosol cans curbside.

Improper disposal of waste materials can lead to fines and delays, so keep an eye on your waste and your contractor.

Here comes the rain again

Be ready for the rain as it flows down streets, over driveways and into stormdrains. These stormdrains lead to the nearest stream or wetland and are a key to flood prevention near your home. We need your help to keep them clear of debris. Bring your leaves, grass clippings and a can of food to our 15th Annual Leaf Disposal and Food Drive on November 17 and December 8 at Sunset and Aloha High Schools from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This program is part of Clean Water Services' Surface Water Management which improves water quality, protects fish habitat and manages flooding. The Leaf Disposal is free and for Washington County residential use only. No commercial operations please. For more information call our Leaf Line at (503) 547-8116. The Cities of Hillsboro, Tigard, Forest Grove and Beaverton also provide free leaf drop-off sites.

With our best efforts, rising water may still occur. Sand and sandbags are available through Washington County. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation and supply.