Most things do not belong in the toilet. In fact, it is easier to list what can go in: water, toilet paper, pee and poo (the three P’s).
However, many people seem to think the sanitary sewer system is a way to get rid of all kinds of waste. Drop it down the drain and it is out of sight, out of mind. What can go wrong? Plenty. Every time materials besides human waste and toilet paper get into our sewer system, it costs the community. These materials can clog the pipes and disrupt the wastewater treatment process. The clogging can back up sewer pipes and damage homes and businesses, as well as drive up sewer maintenance costs and increase sewer bills.
Can I pour my cooking grease down the kitchen sink?
No. It is never okay to put fats, oils and grease down the drain. Grease poured down the sink (or into the garbage disposal) will cool and harden, leading to unpleasant odors and blockages in your pipes. Instead, pour excess grease into a container with a tight-fitting lid for storing. Use a scraper or spatula to remove all the grease from the pan. Freeze it, or allow it to harden on its own and throw the hardened oil away on trash day. For more information, see www.rrwatershed.org/project/fats-oils-and-grease.
Expired medicines can be flushed down, right?
No. Recent studies of our nations’ waterways have shown that flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet or dumping them in the trash might be setting the stage for environmental and human health problems. Medicines should be brought to a local drug take-back site. Visit www.rrwatershed.org/project/safe-medicine-disposal to learn how to properly dispose of unwanted medications.
I’ve heard that disposable wipes must go in the trash, but if the package says “flushable” then is it okay to flush it in the toilet?
No. Tests have shown that flushable wipes do not degrade readily like toilet paper. Many municipalities around the state, country and world are experiencing serious and costly problems with flushable products within their sewer systems. Even paper towels and tissues can’t break down fast enough if flushed down the toilet. An option for reducing the waste of these wipes is to use sponges or rags that can be washed and reused.
Can old cleaning or personal care products be emptied into the toilet before I put the containers in the trash?
No. Household hazardous materials should not be flushed because they break down in water. Dissolved chemicals can travel through the sewer system and pollute the Russian River and the marine environment. Hazardous chemical products, such as antifreeze, batteries or motor oil, as well as solvents, bleach, nail polish, cleaners, disinfectants, pesticides, polishes, stain removers, fabric softeners, ammonia, dryer sheets, hair care products, fragrances, skin care products, cosmetics and lotions should be taken to a local household hazardous waste disposal site. For information regarding disposal of hazardous materials, including local disposal centers, visit www.recyclenow.org.
Purchase products made with natural ingredients and avoid products that use chemicals like those mentioned above. For more information and ideas on safer cleaning and living products, visit www.healthyworld.org.
I have a food sink. Can I dump food waste down the sink with no problems?
No. A large mass of food waste, even ground up, moving through the sanitary sewer pipes can mix with trash, grease and tree roots to block a pipe. Small amounts are okay to keep your drain flowing, but your drain is not a garbage can. Food waste is compostable, and when combined with mulch is great for your garden.
I’ve heard it is acceptable to clean painting equipment like brushes and rollers in the sink?
It depends. For latex water-based paints, remove as much of the paint off the painting tools onto a newspaper before washing them in the sink. Oil-based paints and solvents must be treated as hazardous waste. For information regarding disposal of hazardous materials and paint, including local disposal centers, visit www.recyclenow.org.
So, no trash should be flushed down the toilet or any drain?
Yes. Do not flush items like hair, wrappers, toys, cotton balls, feminine hygiene products, rags, dental floss, cigarette butts, dust/dirt/lint, rubber gloves, bandages, plastic, condoms, under-wear and cat litter. This is just a small sample of the items found in the sanitary sewer system. Consider donating gently used clothing and toys. Determine if your plastic can be recycled; if not, then throw it away. Any remaining waste can be placed in the trash to save yourself time, money and stress while protecting your home, environment and community.
