De-Icing Salt: A Guide to Smart Storage for a Clean Community

Keeping sidewalks and driveways safe in winter often involves salt, but how you store that salt can make a big difference for our community water resources.

Properly storing de-icing salt can prevent over-salting and water pollution when snow and ice melts. Proper storage of salt or other deicing materials is required by local regulations. Follow these storage tips:

• Elevate and protect from moisture: Store your salt on raised pallets or in waterproof containers to keep it dry and prevent moisture absorption. This keeps the salt free-flowing and prevents clumping, which can lead to over-salting and water pollution.
• Keep it covered: Store inside and in a labeled, sealed container to protect  your salt from rain, snow, and wind. This further reduces moisture absorption and ensures you have usable salt when you need it most.
• Think beyond winter: While storing for winter is important, consider summer storage too. Ideally, a covered, well-ventilated area will keep your salt dry until next season.

But wait, what about leftover salt? Here are some ideas!

• Mix sand into your salt: Combine de-icing salt with sand to create a traction aid. This will also help you use less salt on those slippery surfaces.
• Share with neighbors: If you have a surplus, consider offering it to friends and family to prevent them from buying new.
• Check with local authorities: Some municipalities may have salt-recycling programs.
• Give your green thumb a boost: Some de-icing products can be used as a plant fertilizer, providing essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to promote healthy growth. Make sure to check the contents label and to research applications so as to not pollute your soil!

By storing salt smartly, we can all help keep our community safe this winter and our water clean all year round!