Some things just don’t belong down the drain.

If garbage is flushed, it doesn’t just go away.

Flushed items can block sewer pipes and cause sewer overflows or problems at the wastewater treatment plant. Pipes that carry water from homes are often only 2 inches in diameter. They can easily become clogged with grease, rags or hygiene products.

Never flush plastic, wipes or anything that is not easily dissolved in water. If a hygiene item contains any plastic at all, it should be disposed of in the trash, never down the drain. Tissues, diapers and baby wipes should also always be placed in the garbage. Remember, toilets are not garbage cans.

Wastewater treatment facilities rely on tiny microorganisms to break down waste, but they can’t digest plastics, latex or rags.

When in doubt, throw it out!

For more information on proper disposal of waste, call the WLSSD Hotline at

218-722-0761.