Los Angeles Dumps 100s of Tons of Garbage into its Sewers, and then Goes Swimming in It

When it rained this weekend 150 tons of trash from LA's sewers flushed beneath us and ended up in the ocean.

This is why we can't have nice things.

"The volume of trash collected at the L.A. River boom is a powerful reminder that everything in the street - trash, cigarette butts, pet waste, even oil that leaks from cars - washes into the ocean after each heavy rainfall," said Emma Ayala, Head, Public Relations Group of the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. "It's a reminder to County residents that unless they want to end up swimming alongside it later, put trash where it belongs - in a garbage can."

The County installed collection systems at Ballona Creek and the L.A. River to help prevent trash and debris from flowing into the ocean. These systems were designed to help mitigate the immense amount of trash before it reaches the ocean. Each year, these systems capture more than 300 tons of litter, though they do not catch everything. Tons of litter and other contaminants escape these containment systems and drift into the ocean, putting human health at risk. - BuisnessWire

And for all of you who have dogs who think your pooch is "fertilizing" with his magic ass of purity... think again.

Pick up after your pet. Animal waste, when left on the ground, washes down storm drains and contaminates beaches. Picking up dog waste is a County ordinance and dog owners disregarding this law may be fined.

Normally we wouldn't think that such stories are necessary on this site, but 300 tons?

But by posting it and educating our readers, next year we will be able to look at a picture like that and be able to give it a caption that reads: What Happens When You Don't Read LAist.

OK since you made it this far, here's Morrissey covering the New York Dolls after the jump

photo by The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works