National Association of Clean Water Agencies’ Toilets Are Not Trash cans campaign is focused on protecting the pipes, pumps, water reclamation facilities, and personnel of wastewater utilities across the nation by reducing the materials that are inappropriately flushed or drained into the sew-er system. Products such as wipes, pa-per towels, and feminine hygiene products should not be flushed but often are, causing expensive problems for utilities. Other consumer products contain ingredients that may harm water quality and the environment, such as plastic microbeads and triclosan. FOG (fats, oils, and greases) and unused pharmaceuticals should also be kept out of the sewer system and disposed of properly.

So what can you do?

• Avoid purchasing “flushable” items. Unfortunately, the majority of flushable items on the market don’t biodegrade quickly enough to avoid clogging the pumps and pipes.
• Recycle and compost food waste.
• Discard hazardous materials such as used motor oil, antifreeze, etc. properly. For disposal locations visit: spokanewastedirectory.org.

What Not to Flush

• Diapers – cloth, disposable, flushable
• Baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, moist wipes, etc.
• Toilet bowl scrub pads
• Swiffers
• Napkins – paper or cloth, paper towels
• Dental floss
• Egg shells, nutshells and coffee grounds
• Fats, oils, and greases
• Food items containing seeds and peelings
• Hair
• Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms or any non-organic material
• Vitamins, medicines or other pharmaceuticals
• Wash cloths, towels, and rags (any cloth item)
• Clothing
• Plastic of any kind