Teach Kids an Important Lesson: Put Trash Where it Belongs! 

(LOS ANGELES)—It's that time of year when students return to the classroom—all too often leaving a trail of litter behind.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works reminds parents and teachers about the importance of educating children to recycle and properly dispose of their litter. Throwing trash out of a car window or leaving candy, gum and food wrappers on the ground make neighborhoods look bad and can have a long-term, negative impact on the environment.

When left on streets and parking lots, litter can be carried by rainwater into creeks, rivers and the ocean, polluting these water bodies and creating unsafe conditions for marine life and people who enjoy water sports and activities. While gutters and storm drains are intended to move rainwater away from streets quickly to keep communities from flooding, in many cases, they provide a pathway for untreated water and debris to flow directly into urban river systems like the Los Angeles River and, eventually, the ocean.

"Back to school means focusing on three equally important "Rs" – reduce, reuse, and recycle," said Gail Farber, Director of County Public Works. "Today's students are tomorrow's leaders and teachers. It's vital that they learn how to protect the environment for future generations."

üPut litter and extinguished cigarette butts in trashcans—not on the street.

üCarry a litter-bag in your car or backpack, and remember to use it.

üAlways pick-up after your pet.

üRecycle beverage containers.

üKeep your truck bed litter-free and always tie-down your load.

üApply pesticides or fertilizers sparingly and never before it rains.

üRecycle used motor oil and oil filters at a designated recycle center.

For information about the County's pollution prevention programs, call 1(888)CLEANLA or log on to www.888CleanLA.com.

About the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Public Works' services include road and flood control system maintenance, construction programs, building and safety services, traffic signals and street signs. Public Works also oversees public education and information programs designed to reach the 10 million residents of the County of Los Angeles with crucial messages about protecting the environment. These programs are part of a comprehensive effort to help residents understand the impact they have on the environment and the steps they can take to protect and improve it.