With the rainy season approaching, now’s the time to protect residents and the environment from stormwater pollutants. Litter, green waste and plastic bottles are a few of the items that travel with rainwater into storm drains and into waterways like the L.A. and San Gabriel rivers and then to the ocean.

To keep streets and water clean, residents can pick up leaves, trash or other items in and around street gutters and put them in appropriate bins.

Street gutters and storm drains remove rainwater from streets to prevent flooding. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and cities throughout the L.A. Basin have installed thousands of catch basin screens and other devices to prevent trash, cigarette butts, bottles and green waste from entering the system.

Residents can help prevent pollution with these tips.

•Keep street gutters and catch basins free of litter. Only rainwater belongs in storm drains.

•Put trash in its place. Recycle bottles and cans; put cigarette butts in ashtrays and litter in trash cans.

•Clean up after pets. Pet feces left on the ground can wash into storm drains and contaminate beaches and other waterways. Pet owners should be aware that improper disposal can result in a fine.

•Apply pesticides or fertilizers sparingly. Always read instructions and apply only the amount suggested. It’s not recommended to apply pesticides or fertilizers before it rains.

•Pick up green waste. Green waste can be used in backyard composting or recycled through residential curbside recycling.

To learn more about L.A. County’s pollution prevention programs, including the SmartGardening Program, call (888) CLEAN LA (253-2652) or visit www.CleanLA.com.