Even thought the package says “Flushable” those wipe might cost you if you flush them. Most wipes are too thick and do not disintegrate easily. That means the may clog your wastewater pipe and the back up could get expensive. At best you may need to call a plumber and pay him to open the drain back up and at worst, well, that could result in stuff being flushed showing up in your tub, shower or toilet and not just your stuff. Uck! So here is a list of items that should not be flushed in addition to wipes.
Can it be Flushed?
There are many misconceptions about what you can and cannot flush, but as a general rule: If it isn’t body fluid or toilet paper, DO NOT FLUSH IT! Even if it’s small or the package reads “flushable,” it can cause significant problems for you and the City.
| Common items flushed and why they should NOT be: | ||
| Wipes | – | No Wipes in the Pipes! Even those labeled “flushable”, they are too thick and do not disintegrate easily. |
| Paper Towels, Napkins, and Tissue | – | Designed to absorb moisture and stay together when wet, not break down. |
| Grease, Oils, and Fats | – | Can it…Don’t Drain It! Grease may go in as a liquid, but as soon as it hits the drain, it cools and becomes a pipe-clogging wax. Pour leftover grease in a can then toss in the trash. Request a FREE Cease-the-Grease kit with a can lid, by emailing Don’t Stop the Flow. Learn more at Cease the Grease. |
| Feminine Hygiene Products | – | Designed to absorb moisture and expand which prevents safe passage through your pipes. |
| Animal Training Pads | – | Constructed of a waterproof film that prevents liquid from passing through and of a super-absorbent polymer and fluff pulp, which turns liquid into gel. These do not break down in water and can cause major blockages. |
| Cotton Balls and Swabs | – | They do not break down in water, instead, they gather together and are difficult to dislodge. |
| Cat Litter | – | Made from clay and sand, two things that should NEVER be flushed. Cat waste also contains toxins and parasites that should not be in our water system. |
| Condoms | – | Easy to flush, but not so easy on the wastewater system. Condoms can inflate like balloons and cause fairly destructive obstructions. |
| Medication | – | Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove chemicals found in drugs. These dangerous chemicals get pumped into the lakes and streams, contaminating water supplies, and wildlife downstream. How to Dispose of Medication; Disposal Safety Guide; Round Rock Police hosts Drug Take-Back Days in the Spring and Fall, check the City’s events page for details. |
| Diapers | – | Made from a toxic plastic designed to expand when it becomes wet. |
| Dental Floss | – | Once flushed, it wraps around objects in the pipeline, making tiny clogs bigger in an instant. |
| Cigarette Butts | – | Full of incredibly toxic chemicals that end up in the water supply. |
| Band-aids | – | Made of a non-biodegradable plastic that is terrible for the environment and causes clogs. |
| Pets | – | Goldfish are commonly flushed, but small rodents (hamsters and gerbils) are also found in the wastewater system. They’re sturdy and they create clogs; consider a proper burial. |
| Food | – | Although biodegradable, it doesn’t break down fast so it can lump together and cause clogs. |
| Hair | – | Like floss, it tangles and catches things, creating clogs. |
