Keeping our sewers free of objects and debris is vital to keeping our community clean and running efficiently.
Do not flush
The following items SHOULD NOT be flushed down a toilet:
- Houseplant leaves and clippings
- Silt or mud
- Rags
- Human or animal hair
- Tea bags
- Coffee grounds
- Filters
- Cooking grease or animal grease
- Cigarettes, cigars, butts
- Cat litter
- Solvents, paint
- Sanitary napkins and tampons
- Tampon applicators (both plastic and plastic)
- Disposable diapers
- Condoms
- Boxes, packaging and wrappers
Why can't I flush items down the toilet?
The items listed above do not biodegrade, so they do not belong in a toilet or sewer system. They cause blockages in sewer connections, mains and pumping stations. Blockages cause backups into homes and can discharges into the environment. All of this results in thousands of dollars in maintenance and repair costs.
What if I have a septic tank?
Because the items above do not biodegrade, they will take up space in your septic tank system and could interfere with its normal operation and maintenance. They might also detrimentally affect the municipal water system when the sludge is finally disposed of.
A special note about grease
The most common problem related to sewer lines is from fat, oil and grease (FOG) being poured down drains or flushed down toilets. FOG quickly cools and attaches to pipes. As the FOG builds up, it causes blockages and backups in pipes and sewer systems.
Learn how to properly dispose of FOG in your home or your business.