Sweep up! Rake up! Pick up!
The City of Raytown has become the first city in Missouri to participate in the Adopt-A-Drain program! Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. For more information please visit Raytown’s Adopt-A-Drain website at mo.adopt-a-drain.org and see the FAQs below.
Adopt A Storm Drain FAQ
How often do I need to rake, sweep, clean my storm drain?
There’s no specific requirement for how often you need to sweep up. Most people clear their drain about twice a month, but be sure to check the drain before and after big rain storms to avoid flooding, during leaf collection season, and when snow begins to melt.
What special equipment / materials do I need?
A rake, broom, dust pan and bucket or yard waste bag should be all you need in terms of equipment. In the event you are interested in adopting a storm drain on a busy street, it is advised that you clear the drain from the curb, wear bright or reflective clothing and use safety cones if you have access to them. Be aware that leaves, if water-logged, can be heavy enough to break a rake!
What do I do with the debris I’ve collected?
Some sorting is involved. Cans, bottles, and appropriate plastic should be cleaned and recycled. Compostable material like leaves and grass clippings can be composted. Other debris like pet waste and trash should go in the garbage.
Is this a safe activity that I can do with my children, a scout troop, my classroom, etc?
Adopt-a-Drain is meant to be a safe, family activity, however all participants must be supervised by an adult and you must be an adult to sign the waiver. Please take a moment to review our tips on how to clear your drain and stay safe while doing it at mo.adopt-a-drain.org/safety-information.
Who can adopt a drain?
You must be an adult to adopt a drain and sign the liability waiver, however, young people may work on cleanup with parental consent and adult supervision.
My time commitments have changed, can I unadopt my drain?
While we ask you to commit to clearing your adopted drain for at least one year, we will assume you are continuing to participate in the program until you notify us otherwise. You can discontinue your
What is entailed in estimating the amount of debris I collect? Do I need to use a scale?
In order to help us track the positive impact of Adopt-a-Drain on our watersheds, we are asking you to roughly calculate the amount of debris you collect when you clean your drain(s). You can do this online by logging into your account, clicking on “Track Impact” and then “Add a Cleaning.” You can estimate the debris you collect in pounds or gallons; our online calculator will translate gallons into pounds for most types of debris. Remember, we just need a rough estimate! If you find that record-keeping is getting in the way of the cleaning, don’t sweat it! It’s much more important that you do the cleanup. But please report in the Adopt-a-Drain tool at least quarterly so we can collect some data and know that you’re taking care of your drain.
What if there are materials by or in my drain that I don’t feel comfortable or able to remove?
Safety first! Never do anything to put yourself at risk. At no time should you clean inside the drain. If you feel your drain needs extra cleaning (i.e. chronic flooding or blockage) please contact your city’s maintenance department.
How can I promote my efforts to my neighbors and the community?
We’re so glad you asked! Put a sign in your yard and be ready to tell neighbors who ask about your participation in the program. If you take any great photos when you’re out there cleaning your drain, share them with us and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.