City of Fort Lauderdale highlights everyday pollution risks and offers safe disposal tips for hazardous waste
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The City of Fort Lauderdale is urging residents to take small yet impactful steps at home to reduce pollution and protect the area’s waterways. Local officials are emphasizing that everyday actions, if done with care, can make a big difference in preventing harmful waste from entering the environment.
One of the key points in the city’s reminder is the proper disposal of household hazardous waste. From cleaning agents to automotive fluids, residents are encouraged to use such items sparingly, follow label directions, and clean up spills quickly. These materials should never be poured down drains or into storm sewers. Instead, Fort Lauderdale provides dedicated household hazardous waste drop-off events to give residents a safe disposal option. A full list of these events can be found at www.fortlauderdale.gov/hhw.
Residents are also encouraged to opt for eco-friendly products whenever possible. Choosing items that are biodegradable, non-toxic, or made from recycled materials can help limit the amount of chemical runoff and plastic waste entering the environment. These simple product choices can significantly reduce the city’s overall pollution levels.
In addition, the city highlights a common kitchen habit that should be changed-pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain. This practice can severely clog plumbing systems and cause sewer overflows, which in turn harm local waterways. Instead, officials recommend wiping greasy pans with napkins and throwing them in the trash or storing cooled oils in used jars and sealing them before disposal.
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Medical waste is another area of concern. Fort Lauderdale urges residents not to flush medications down the toilet, as they can contaminate water systems. Instead, people should mix expired or unused medicines with coffee grounds or kitty litter before tossing them in the trash. Select hazardous waste events also accept medications for proper disposal.
Lastly, the city is calling on the public to be proactive in reporting issues like illegal dumping, blocked storm drains, or overflowing manholes. Residents can contact the Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000, use the FixIt FTL app, or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl to report problems.
By working together and making thoughtful decisions at home, Fort Lauderdale residents can play a key role in protecting their local environment and ensuring cleaner waterways for the future.
