Why it matters:
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from restaurants and food service businesses can clog pipes, attract pests, and pollute waterways. When spilled or improperly stored, these substances can be washed into storm drains by rainwater or cleaning activities.

What you can do:

• Store grease in labeled, covered containers, in a secure area within secondary containment.
• Never pour grease down sinks, onto pavement, or into storm drains.
• Clean up spills immediately using absorbents, never hose them down.
• Recycle used cooking oil through a licensed grease hauler.

Did you know?

• Grease waste is considered a pollutant under EMC 20.08 and must be managed to prevent illegal discharges.

• Outdoor grease containers must be in a covered, contained area to prevent runoff.

Be ready, be prepared! Prevent and respond to spills.
Spilled oil, chemicals, or cleaning products can quickly reach storm drains and pollute local waterways. Even small spills can have big impacts if not contained.

What you can do:

• Keep a spill kit on-site and train staff on how to properly use it.
• Use dry cleanup methods (e.g. absorbents, rags) and never hose spills into the street.
• Report any spills that enter the storm drain to the City’s Clean Water Hotline: (760) 633-2787.

Did you know?

• EMC 20.08 requires immediate cleanup of spills and prohibits discharges of pollutants to the MS4.

• Spill kits must be appropriate for the materials stored on-site and easily accessible

Manage trash and waste to prevent pollution.
Improperly stored trash and waste can be blown or washed into storm drains, especially during rain events. This contributes to litter, bacteria, and nutrient pollution in our waterways.

What you can do:

• Keep dumpster lids closed and waste areas clean.
• Sweep regularly, never hose down waste areas.
• Don’t place liquids, grease, or hazardous waste in dumpsters.
• Store waste in covered, contained areas to prevent contact with rain.

Did you know?

• EMC 20.08.080 prohibits waste from entering the storm drain system.

• Trash areas must be maintained to prevent runoff and debris from leaving the site

Helpful resources:

See the City’s Commercial Trash & Recycling Resources here.

Wash responsibly to protect our waterways.
Commercial and mobile washing operations must prevent wash water from entering the storm drain.

Why it matters:
Wash water from mobile detailing, fleet washing, or pressure washing can contain oils, detergents, and heavy metals. If not properly contained, it can flow into storm drains and pollute waterways.

Requirements:

• Use berms, mats, or vacuum systems to contain wash water.
• Collect and dispose of wash water to the sanitary sewer or off-site, never into the street.
• Use biodegradable, phosphate-free soaps and minimize water use.

Did you know?

• EMC 20.08.040 requires 100% containment and recovery of wash water during power washing.

• Mobile businesses are subject to the same BMPs and enforcement as fixed facilities

See the City’s Educational Flyer on Power Washing Requirements here.

Smart watering saves water and prevents pollution.
Overwatering can carry fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment into the storm drain system, even during dry weather. This runoff contributes to algae blooms, bacteria, and water quality impairments.

Tips for commercial landscapes:

• Adjust irrigation systems to avoid overspray and runoff.
• Water during early morning or evening hours.
• Fix leaks and broken sprinkler heads promptly.
• Use drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce water use.

Did you know?

Irrigation runoff is considered an illegal discharge under EMC 20.08.040.

Businesses are required to eliminate runoff and maintain irrigation systems to prevent pollution

The City partners with local water districts to promote water conservation and reduce runoff. Explore water-wise landscaping tips provided by your Water District at the links below!

San Dieguito Water District Conservation & Outreach

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Conservation & Outreach

Small items, big impact.
Plastic straws and utensils are among the most common litter items found on beaches. These small items can easily enter storm drains and harm marine life. Under EMC 11.27.060, the distribution of plastic straws are banned in Encinitas and plastic utensils must be offered only upon request per EMC 11.27.050. Businesses are required to comply with the City’s Plastic-Free Encinitas initiative.

Requirements:

• Switch to paper, wood, metal, or reusable alternative straws.
• Provide plastic utensils only upon request.
• Keep outdoor dining areas clean and litter-free.

Did you know?

The City of Encinitas has resources available within the Trash & Recycling webpage to assist businesses with Plastic alternatives including reusable and compostable straws and food service ware. Visit the links below to learn more!

Zero-Waste Information

Zero-Waste Toolkit for Businesses