Devin Jacobs
Every time you flush something down the toilet that doesn’t belong there, you could be setting yourself up for a plumbing headache—and seriously harming the environment, too. So, before you reach for that flush handle, here are 15 everyday items that should always go in the trash, not the toilet.
Wet Wipes
Despite many brands labeling and marketing their wipes as “flushable,” wet wipes don’t dissolve in water, leading to pipe congestion and costly repairs in sewer systems. A 2020 National Association of Clean Water Agencies report stated that wipes cost the US about an extra $441 million annually in operating costs.
Plastic Bags
It would be best never to flush plastic bags, as they can become entangled in pipes and cause severe clogs. They do not break or dissolve in water, making proper disposal essential for maintaining plumbing health. Recycle plastic bags whenever possible or throw them in the trash to help keep our sewer systems running smoothly.
Cotton Balls and Swabs
Cotton balls and swabs are another item to keep out of the toilet. These products do not disintegrate in water, leading to blocked pipes. They can easily combine with other debris and result in costly plumbing repairs. You should always throw these products in the trash to prevent blockages in your plumbing system.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are strong and absorbent, so they do not break down in contact with water and can cause significant plumbing issues. The experts at Baywise do not recommend flushing paper towels. Instead, keep a dedicated trash bin in the bathroom to facilitate proper disposal and maintain your plumbing’s integrity.
Hair
Flushing hair after grooming can cost you a hefty plumbing bill because it easily clumps together and creates obstructions for your waste. To avoid this problem, it’s advisable to collect hair in a trash bin or use a hair catcher in your shower or sink and keep it out of the toilet.
Dental Floss
Although flushing dental floss may seem harmless, it can tangle with other pipe particles. To protect your plumbing system, dispose of dental floss in the trash after use. The problem is so severe that even cities like Maysville list it on their official site as an item never to flush down the toilet.
Band-Aids
Band-Aids should never be flushed, as they are made from materials that do not break down in water and can cause a lot of plumbing nightmares. You can dispose of used Band-Aids by throwing them in the trash, a simple step that will save time and money in plumbing repairs.
Grease, Fat, and Oil
When poured down the toilet, grease, fat, and oil may appear liquid but quickly solidify as they cool. This can lead to serious jamming up of plumbing systems. Many environmental protection agencies advise against flushing any type of grease, as it can mix with other materials and create “fatbergs” in sewer systems.
Medications
Sending over-the-counter and prescription medications down your pipes can contaminate water supplies and pose risks to aquatic life. To reduce environmental impact, the best practice for disposing of unused medicines is to mix them with an off-putting substance like dirt or cat litter, seal them in a bag, and discard them in the trash.
Cat Litter
Cat litter is made to absorb and retain moisture, making it a poor choice for flushing as it can create serious clogs in toilets and sewer systems. Responsible disposal involves putting used cat litter in a bag and throwing it in the bin, which will ensure the health of wastewater treatment facilities.
Food Scraps
While it may seem harmless, flushing food scraps can cause major water flow issues. Food waste clogs sewage systems and pipes, and should be composted or disposed of in a specified garbage disposal location, not flushed in a toilet. This practice helps keep your plumbing system running smoothly and minimizes environmental impact.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Products like pads and tampons are made to hold fluid and can create severe clogs when flushed. Many organizations, like Defend Your Drainage North Texas, advocate for adequate disposal of feminine hygiene products. Instead, wrap these items in toilet paper and dispose of them in the trash or waste basket.
Diapers
Diapers are designed to absorb moisture, making them unsuitable for flushing. They can also create severe clogs in plumbing systems and wastewater treatment plants. Plumbing experts like Eyman report that diapers cause sewer blockages, so it’s important to wrap used diapers in plastic and dispose of them in the trash.
Cleaning Wipes
Often marketed as flushable, cleaning wipes can cause serious plumbing problems as they contain materials that do not break down in water, like toilet paper. They are a leading cause of sewer clogs, so it’s important to always dispose of cleaning wipes in the trash to avoid costly plumbing repairs and protect local water systems.
Razor Blades
Flushing razor blades pose a significant risk, as these sharp objects can injure sanitation workers and create hazards in sewage systems. They can also lead to clogs and damage pipes, so it’s essential to wrap used blades in sturdy material and place them in a designated container for safe disposal.