What NOT to Put Down the Drain

Have you ever wondered where the material or substance you send down the drain goes? Most people think, “out of sight, out of mind”. The wastewater system is designed for certain types of waste. When things enter the wastewater systems that are not supposed to be flushed, rinsed or dumped down the drain, they can cause complications. Some of these items cause blockages in the collection system which can cause sewage to back up into homes or to overflow from a sanitary sewer manhole into a yard or into the storm sewer system. Some of these items cause problems at the wastewater treatment plant, causing the plant to not operate properly and potentially resulting in environmental impacts to the receiving stream. Items such as drugs and other chemicals are not designed to pass through and be treated by the treatment plant and negatively affect fish or other animals and plants in the receiving stream. The following lists are a guide as to what not to dispose of in the toilet or down the drain. Although the lists are not all inclusive, they can serve as a guide.

Bathroom Products – disposable diapers, tampons, cotton balls, ear swabs, mini or maxi pads, condoms, nail polish, nail polish remover and unused medication (both prescription and over the counter)

Chemicals – furniture and metal polishes, motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, rust remover, deck cleaners, solvents, turpentine, paint, garden chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), toxic chemicals (if label reads: “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUSTIC”, “TOXIC”,“CORROSIVE”, “FLAMMABLE”, OR “POISON”)

In The Kitchen – fats, oil or grease, lard/shortening, butter, margarine, coffee grounds, egg shells, food scraps, produce stickers, sauces, paper towels and rags.

Miscellaneous – cleaning wipes of any kinds (even if they say they are flushable), facial tissue, bandages, bandage wrappers, cigarette butts and flushable cat litter