Pollution Prevention

Environmental Services Pollution Prevention

Water Quality

  • Use phosphate free laundry soap
  • Don’t pour oil or other hazardous substances down the drain or onto the ground
  • Give away unused materials
  • Use substitutes for cleaning, vinegar is great for cleaning glass
  • Dispose of products safely
  • Plant grass and trees on loose soil to help keep the soil from washing away

Fertilizer Use (Ord. No. 0-1213-34, § 1)

In order to protect Norman’s major drinking water source, the City adopted an ordinance regulating the use of phosphorus containing manufactured fertilizers. Under this ordinance, the City of Norman requires soil tests to be conducted before anyone may apply phosphorus containing manufactured fertilizer. In addition, applicators must register annually before application of such fertilizer.  For more information on the ordinance and to register for an application contact the Storm Water Division at 405-329-2524.

Pest Control and Pesticides

  • Attract birds by planting bushes and trees they like
  • Put out birdbaths and bird food
  • Protect things like purple martins, lady bugs, spiders, centipedes and miniwasps – they eat the “bad” bugs and minimize the need for pesticides.
  • Spade and hoe to cut weeds
  • Handpick weeds from your garden
  • Use a flyswatter
  • Mulch your garden to help control weeds
  • If you must use pesticides, use them safely and wisely
    • Pesticides and herbicides should not be used before a rain event. Using pesticides only when the chance of rain has passed will help prevent contamination of nearby waterbody's and wildlife, and save you money.
    • Never dump pesticides down any drain
    • Keep out of reach of children and pets.  The Oklahoma Poison Control Center is open 24 hours and should be contacted in an emergency at 800-222-1222. 
    • To read more about pesticide use and safety, go to: OSU Extension Safe Use of Pesticides Fact Sheet
  • Avoid the use of household pesticides

Safe Alternatives for Common Household Products

  • Ants in the house – Locate every entry point and seal with caulk. Kill visible ants with soapy water. Remove all food sources
  • Air Freshener – Simmer cinnamon and cloves
  • Aluminum Spot Removal – Use two tablespoons cream of tarter and quart of hot water
  • Bleach – Use borax
  • Brass Polish – Polish with Worcestershire sauce
  • Car Battery Corrosion Control - Use baking soda and water
  • Chrome Polish – Polish with apple cider vinegar
  • Cleaners (General Household) – Use one teaspoon of liquid soap plus one teaspoon of borax plus one squeeze of lemon in a quart of warm water
  • Coffee Cup Stain Removal – Wash with moist salt
  • Coffee Pot Stains – Soak with vinegar
  • Copper Cleaner - Clean with lemon juice and salt
  • Decal Remover - Soak in white vinegar
  • Dishwashing for Cutting Grease - Use liquid soap and vinegar
  • Drain Cleaner – Use plunger followed by ½ cup baking soda plus ½ cup vinegar mixed with 2 quarts boiling water
  • Fertilizer – Spread compost
  • Furniture Polish – Use linseed or almond oil
  • Garbage Disposal Deodorizer – Place lemons or baking soda in disposal
  • Grease Removal – Use borax on damp cloth
  • Hand Cleaner (paint/grease) – Use baby oil
  • Ink Spot Remover – Wash with cold water plus one tablespoon cream of tarter and one tablespoon lemon juice
  • Insects on Plants - Use soapy water on leaves then rinse
  • Laundry Detergent – Use basic soap, phosphate free
  • Linoleum Floor Cleaner – Use one cup white vinegar plus two gallons of water
  • Mildew Remover – Wash with equal parts of vinegar and salt
  • Mosquito Repellant – Burn citronella candles or citronella oil
  • Moths (clothes)- Clean woolens before storing; enclose cedar chips in cotton sachets
  • Oil Stain Removal – Rub white chalk into stain before laundering
  • Oven Cleaner – Wash with two tablespoons liquid soap, plus two teaspoons of borax mixed with warm water into stain
  • Paint (oil based/stain/spray) – Use water-based, non-aerosol paints
  • Paint Brush Softener – Soak in hot vinegar
  • Perspiration Spot Remover – Use white vinegar plus water
  • Pesticides – For Specific pest information contact Industrial Pretreatment at 292-9731 or your county extension agent at 321-4774
  • Pet Odor Remover - Use cider vinegar
  • Porcelain Stain Removal – Use baking soda
  • Refrigerator Deodorizer – Place open box of baking soda in refrigerator
  • Rug/Carpet Cleaner – Use club soda