Carpet Cleaning

Overview

Toxic chemicals and discharged wastewater from carpet, drapery, furniture, and window cleaning often make their way into the Madison County storm drain system and do not get treated before reaching the streams and rivers. This pollutes our drinking water and contaminates local waterways, making them unsafe for people and wildlife. Following these best management practices will prevent pollution, comply with regulations and protect public health.

For more information, please contact Stormwater Program Management at (731) 423-2041.

Best Management Practices

These guidelines apply even if the cleaning products are labeled nontoxic or biodegradable. Although these products may be less harmful to the environment, they can still have harmful effects if they enter the storm drain untreated:

• Dispose of wastewater properly: Wastewater from cleaning equipment must be discharged into a sink, toilet, or other drain connected to the sanitary sewer system within sanitary sewer discharge limits, or hauled off and disposed of properly. Wastewater should never be discharged into a street, gutter, parking lot, or storm drain.
• Filter wastewater: Carpet cleaning wastewater should be filtered before discharging it to the sanitary sewer since fibers and other debris in the wastewater can clog pipes. The filtered material can be disposed of in the garbage, as long as the waste is not contaminated with hazardous pollutants.