General Practices:

• Place an oil absorbing sponge in the bilge to remove oil.
  
   
• Use non-toxic detergent, elbow grease, and a scrubbrush to clean your the and hull. Products that remove stains or make the boat shine can be toxic.
  
   
• Regulations prohibit the use of boat paints containing tributyl tin on boats under 65 feet. Copper-based additives may be less toxic but can still pollute.
  
   
• For live-aboards, hook up to a community sewage collection system.
  
   
• Reduce shore erosion in streams, rivers, and inlets by slowing down and decreasing the boat's wake.

Disposal of Materials:

• Vacuum boat scrapings and take the bag to the Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
  
   
• If flushing the head without a tank is absolutely necessary, always avoid doing so in marinas and Delta channels.
  
   
• Go to a pump-out station to discharge tank wastes.
  
   
• Bring all packaging, containers and fishing gear back to dock and pick up any litter floating in the water.
  
   
• Reusable cups, plates and other utensils are preferable to disposable, non-biodegradable supplies.
  
   
• A certified used oil recycling center will reimburse for each gallon that's recycled. Up to 20 gallons a day may be recycled in containers no larger than 5 gallons.

For more information on hazardous waste disposal, call San Joaquin County Solid Waste at 468-3066.