When washing mortar trowels and disposing of dirty water, it's important to follow local regulations and consider environmentally friendly practices. Here are some steps you can take:
Washing Trowels:
- Use a Buckets or a Tub: Instead of washing directly in a sink, use a bucket or a large tub to contain the dirty water.
- Scrape Off Excess Mortar: Before washing, scrape off as much mortar as you can with a putty knife or a scraper to minimize the amount of residue in your wash water.
- Wash in a Controlled Area: Conduct the washing in a designated area where runoff will not affect vegetation or enter storm drains.
Disposal of Dirty Water:
- Local Regulations: Check with your local municipality for regulations regarding disposal of wastewater. Some places have specific guidelines to prevent discharge into storm drains.
- Solid Waste Disposal: Allow the dirty water to settle in a container, and when it has settled, you can pour off the clearer water on top and dispose of the remaining sludge as solid waste.
- Soak Up Excess: Use rags or absorbent materials to soak up any excess water and use those for disposal in a waste bin.
- Landfill: If you have a large amount of hardened mortar, you may need to take it to a landfill.
Eco-Friendly Considerations:
- Use a Washout Bin: Consider using a washout bin designed for capturing concrete washout. This helps contain waste and can be disposed of properly.
- Recycle: Check if local recycling centers accept hardened concrete or mortar, as some facilities may take it for recycling.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re washing your trowels responsibly and disposing of dirty water in an environmentally friendly manner.