Minimizing our impact on the environment by living in a responsible and sustainable manner is essential to maintain the unique rural character of our community and to ensure our resiliency into the future. The City of Rolling Hills works hard in collaboration with partner agencies to protect our local canyon and wetland habitats from erosion, pollution, and wildfire thereby protecting the quality of nearby waterbodies for the benefit of human health and aquatic life. You can contribute to the environmental health and resiliency of our community and precious natural resources by exploring the links below.

Water Pollution Prevention

When it rains or when excessive water is used on individual properties, the water runs off and drains through our canyons into one of three waterbodies: the Santa Monica Bay, Machado Lake, or LA Harbor. Runoff from properties can carry pollutants which threaten the water quality and habitats of our canyons, local waterbodies, beaches, and tide pools. The pollution prevention tips below offer ways to help protect these important natural resources.

Swimming Pool and Spa Maintenance and Discharge Tips
Managing Pests with Environmentally Sound Methods
Residential Car Washing Tips
Best Management Practices for Construction Sites in Spanish and English
County of Los Angeles Equestrian and Stable Facilities Best Management Practices
Horse Keeping for Clean Water
Composting in compliance with Rolling Hills Municipal Code Section 8.08.430

Report illegal dumping or discharges or other water quality concerns via:

Emergency or hazardous spills: Call 911
Call City staff during business hours at (310) 377-1521
After hours or on weekends call: 888-CLEANLA
Complete the Citizen Request Form and submit it to the Code Enforcement Department

Opportunities to Get Involved in Watershed Management and Protection Activities

There are many opportunities to participate in local and regional water pollution prevention and water resource management efforts:

South Bay Environmental Services Center Calendar of Events
LA County’s Safe, Clean Water Program is working to improve our regional waters resources and to increase our local water supply through stormwater capture
Volunteer with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
California Coastal Commission Participation Opportunities
Water for LA County Program is working to empower and inform LA County residents to become water advocates dedicated to sustainability and health for all.

Water Conservation

With our region’s dry climate and persistent drought conditions we are all keenly aware of the importance of using water resources wisely. Each year in Los Angeles County, enough rainwater to meet the needs of 3.5 million people is lost to the ocean. While there is important work happening at the regional level to conserve water resources, there are important steps you can take in your own back yard to make water conservation a way of life.

The South Bay Rainwater Harvesting Guide has tips for enhancing your property to capture and use rainwater and reduce the amount of runoff leaving your property.
California Water Service (CalWater) helps customers conserve water by offering several programs and incentives to reduce indoor and outdoor water use:
- Tips for Saving Water in Your Home, Yard, Garden, and Pool
- Conservation Kits

Additional Local Water Conservation Resources and Rebates:

Sustainable Gardening and Landscaping

California native, drought tolerant gardens and landscapes are low-maintenance, less water-intensive, prevent water pollution from fertilizer and pesticides, attract pollinators and support native species like the Palos Verdes blue butterfly and the cactus wren. The links below provide information on creating sustainable, fire-wise landscapes and gardens.

South Bay Environmentally Friendly Landscaping Gardening and Pest Control webpages
City of Rolling Hills’ Landscape Design Standards and Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Fire-Wise Gardening
Native and Drought Tolerant Landscaping on the PV Peninsula brochure
Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Native Plants & Nursery
Theodore Payne Foundation online California native seed store
CalScape, California Native Plant Society comprehensive online garden planner
UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners

Household Waste Management

Reducing waste, reusing items you might normally throw away, and recycling will save money, energy, and natural resources.

The City of Rolling Hills has a franchise agreement with Republic Services to provide residential solid waste management and recycling services for our community.
- Residential Recycling Services
- Food and Organic Waste Recycling (including Manure Collection)
- Yard Waste Collection
- Electronics Recycling
- Light Bulb and Battery Recycling

Household Hazardous Waste (HHHW) can be taken to:
- SAFE collection center or
- Mobile Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event nearby, and
- HHHW collection events are also posted on the South Bay Environmental Services Center Calendar of Events Page.

Recycle DIY used motor oil and oil filters at a convenient used oil and filter drop off location

Septic Systems (Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems)

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reviews and approves onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) in the City of Rolling Hills through the Local Agency Management Program consistent with the State Water Board’s requirements for siting, design, operation and maintenance of OWTS. The two types of systems approved in Rolling Hills, conventional and non-conventional systems, are explained in the links below along with guides for maintaining these systems so that they function in a manner that will keep our families, community, and environment safe and healthy.