Wastewater Pretreatment

The City of Fayetteville has ordinances in place involving the pretreatment of wastewater. These ordinances have been created to prevent contamination of the water supply, maintain public health and eliminate problems with sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants. Certain substances are illegal to pour or flush down the drain into the wastewater system. Federal regulations (40 CFR 136, 260, 261, 403) and Fayetteville City Code (Chapter 51, Section 75 and 76) explicitly define all prohibited substances and pollutants that are not allowed into the wastewater system, and should never be poured or flushed down the drain. These federal and local regulations apply to all establishments, residential and commercial.

Prohibited Substances

Never put these down your drain:

  • Fats, oils, and grease (See page on proper Grease Disposal)
  • Motor oil, transmission fluids, anti-freeze or other toxic chemicals
  • Solvents, glue, paints, turpentine, nail polish or polish remover
  • Flammable or explosive substances (kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.)
  • Corrosive substances that are either acidic or caustic
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications (pills, creams, etc.)
  • Medical wastes of any kind (needles, biomedical wastes, etc.)
  • Fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, or any poisons or pesticides
  • Oven, floor, or furniture cleaner; automobile cleaners or car wax
  • Any solids of any kind greater than one-half inch in size
  • Paper towels, bandages, or hygiene products
  • Diapers, baby wipes and similar wipes, including those that claim to be "flushable"
  • Dyes of any kind (food coloring, hair dye, wood stain, etc.)
  • Animal wastes or cat litter
Materials of this nature can cause significant damage to the environment and utility systems. Also, dangerous working conditions are created for employees in wastewater treatment facilities. Your homes, lawns, neighborhoods, parks, rivers, lakes and watersheds could be contaminated from dangerous chemicals or grease-blocked sewer system overflows. Please think about the effects of grease and hazardous chemicals being put in the water and sewer systems. Below are recycling facilities that accept these items so that you can dispose of them responsibly.

Recycling Locations

Hazardous chemicals, oil, grease, etc. can be dropped off at these locations:
(Call or visit their websites for more information)
  • Boston Mountain Solid Waste District Headquarters (Does not except cooking oil/grease)
    Monday thru Friday 7am to 4:30pm, Saturday 8am to Noon
    479-846-3005 or 888-426-9278
    11398 Bond Rd.
    Prairie Grove, AR 72753
  • Springdale Recycling Facility (Boston Mountain Solid Waste District)
    Mondays and Thursdays 8am to 4pm
    479-846-3005 or 888-426-9278
    1806 S. Lowell Rd.
    Springdale, AR 72764
    Near Springdale Animal Shelter