Sustainable Practices

It is against the law to fertilize in the City of Cocoa between June 1 and September 30 (Section 22-280). In addition, if you reside on the east side of Indian River Drive, or are within 10 feet of any body of water (pond, stream, lake, etc) you are not permitted to use fertilizer throughout the rest of the year (Section 22-284). You can find the full ordinances at our Municode page.

Grass Clippings

Keep grass clippings and yard debris out of curbs, the roadway, and away from inlets/stormdrains.

Water Responsibly

 Learn how to establish and maintain a healthy landscape by matching the right plants with existing site conditions. Using Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles will minimize the need for additional resources — such as water, fertilizer, pesticides and labor. For more tips on reducing outdoor water use, visit WaterSense Outdoor.  Find more water saving tips at our saving water page.

Pet Waste

Always pick up after your pet. Take your walks in grassy areas, parks or undeveloped areas away from storm drains and waterways to avoid any unintentional runoff into the stormwater system. 

Lagoon Loyal Graphics

Lagoon Loyal invites you to download the Lagoon Loyal sticker and yard sign artwork and take to your local printer for use as yard signs or waste bin decals. The file formats are the same, so can be applied as signs and/or decals.

Household Cleaners and Chemicals

• Choose phosphate-free detergents, soaps, and household cleaners.
• Properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals.

Car Care

• Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations or bring them to Brevard County hazardous household collection center.
• Drive your car onto your lawn before washing. This prevents the dirty soapy water from going into the stormdrains.
• NEVER dump chemicals into the street, inlet or stormdrain!

Home Repairs & Improvements

• Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains. Protect them from debris and other materials.
• Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris, such as concrete and mortar.
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• Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable products whenever possible.

Swimming Pool & Spa

• Drain your swimming pool or spa only when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels.

Septic Systems

• Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3 to 5 years).
• Don’t flush expired or unwanted medications down the sink or toilet. You can safely dispose of medications in the prescription drop off box, located in the lobby of the Cocoa Police Department, located at 1226 W. King Street Cocoa, FL 32922.

Dumping in unauthorized locations is a crime, and is considered a large concern by local governments and citizens alike. Illegal dump sites are not only unsightly, they are a public health hazard and also have great economic impact. Studies have shown that illegal dumpers are much more likely to dump on property where a dumpsite already exists, causing cities to spend millions of dollars cleaning up illegal dumpsites annually to prevent more illegal dumping. Also, illegal dumpers are potentially hurting honest businesses by dumping illegally, since they are not paying proper waste disposal fees.

Illegal dump sites can lead to a number of health and safety concerns for both local citizens and the environment because they can contain broken glass, hazardous waste, exposed metals, and other dangerous materials that can harm children playing, adults working nearby, or runoff into a nearby stream polluting available water supply. Dump sites also attract rodents, snakes, mosquitoes, and other pests, making sites even more dangerous to citizens.

It is up to you to help stop illegal dumping and fight environmental crime! We encourage you to work together with your local elected officials and law enforcement agencies towards a cleaner, healthier, and safer community. Located below are some great resources and information about reporting and preventing illegal dumping.

Common Illegal Dumping Violations Include:

• Throwing litter out of a car or boat;
• Dumping household trash, construction debris and/or yard waste in unauthorized locations;
• Hauling trash for profit and dumping it in unauthorized locations;
• Letting someone else dump waste on your property, whether they pay you or not;
• Pouring used motor oil or restaurant grease into storm drains or down manhole covers;
• Disposing of trash or yard waste in area creeks and lakes.

What can you do to help?
 The City needs your help in fighting environmental crime. Citizens may help prevent illegal dumping by doing the following:

• Always dispose of your own litter and trash appropriately, and encourage others to do the same.
• Do not transport unsecured debris in the back of a vehicle, always use a tarp or other cover.
• Spread the word to friends, neighbors, and other citizens that illegal dumping is a crime.
• Organize volunteer cleanups of illegal dump sites. People are less likely to dump in clean areas.
• Write or call your local or county elected officials and let them know that illegal dumping is a concern in your community.

How do you report an illegal dump site?
You can call our Code Enforcement Division at (321) 433-8508 or Public Works at 321-433-8770, or submit an illegal dumping concern through our website portal.

Remember to leave the following information in your report:

• City and County in which the incident occurred
• Specific street location within the city
• Vehicle description and License plate number of the dumping violator
• Personal description of the dumping violator
• Your name and telephone number, if you would like to be contacted regarding the investigation of the site