You probably think of your toilet as a one-way ticket to the trash, but what you flush could be causing far more harm than you realize. From clogs that lead to costly plumbing repairs to pollution that harms the environment, seemingly innocent items can wreak havoc when flushed down the drain.
In this article, we’ll discover the 10 things you should never flush, and show you how to dispose of them properly to keep both your pipes and the planet happy.
Medications
Flushing expired or unused medications may seem like an easy solution, but it introduces harmful chemicals into our water supply. These drugs can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, affect wildlife, and lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The FDA recommends using drug take-back programs or, if unavailable, mixing medications with unappealing substances, such as kitty litter, before discarding them in the trash.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum doesn’t dissolve in water, and its sticky nature means it can attach to other waste and cause clogs. Instead of flushing it, wrap the gum in paper and toss it into the trash where it belongs.
Wet Wipes
It’s tempting to flush used wet wipes, but these little offenders don’t dissolve like toilet paper. Even if the label says “flushable,” wet wipes can wreak havoc on your plumbing, especially in older pipes. As they clog up the pipes, they also contribute to environmental pollution when washed into water systems, as seen with over 23,000 wipes found on the banks of the River Thames in London. Instead, toss them into the trash to avoid potential fines and keep waterways clean.
Diapers
Diapers are designed to absorb liquids, which means they don’t break down in toilets. Flushing diapers results in massive plumbing issues due to their bulk and absorbent materials. Parents should throw away disposable diapers or opt for washable cloth diapers to minimize waste and protect their plumbing.
Kitty Litter
Whether clumping or non-clumping, kitty litter poses a serious risk when flushed. Made from materials such as bentonite clay, it can form a cement-like mass that blocks pipes and sewers. Not only does it damage plumbing, but flushing cat feces can also contaminate local water supplies, as wastewater treatment plants are not designed to handle animal waste. Always dispose of kitty litter in the trash.
Cooking Grease
Flushing cooking grease may seem like a convenient option, but when it cools, it can congeal and form a sticky blockage in your pipes. Additionally, it combines with other debris to form “fatbergs” in sewer systems, making it expensive and difficult for cities to clear. Instead, wait for the grease to cool and dispose of it in the trash or reuse it for future cooking.
Cotton Products
Cotton swabs, pads, and balls seem innocuous, but once flushed, they expand and form clogs within pipes. These cotton products, including period products, don’t break down easily like toilet paper. They may also cause plumbing backups, requiring expensive repairs. Safely dispose of them in the trash, and remember that many public restrooms offer designated bins for sanitary disposal.
Condoms
Condoms are made from latex or synthetic materials that don’t degrade in water. Flushing them can cause blockages, and no one wants a plumber to explain why they’re dealing with an unexpected backup. Avoid embarrassment by simply wrapping used condoms and throwing them in the trash.
Cigarette Butts
Flushing cigarette butts is not only bad for your pipes, but it’s also harmful to the environment. The filters in cigarette butts contain toxic chemicals that leach into water when flushed. These chemicals can contaminate both your plumbing and local water systems, making it crucial to extinguish butts properly and dispose of them in the trash.
Dead Animals
Flushing dead fish, frogs, or small pets may seem like a quick way to dispose of them, but it’s a guaranteed way to clog your pipes. These animals can carry diseases or parasites, and flushing them can spread contamination. Wrap any deceased animals in plastic and either bury them or dispose of them properly.
How to Properly Dispose of Non-Flushable Items
When dealing with non-flushable items, it’s crucial to dispose of them in environmentally responsible ways. Here’s a quick guide to proper disposal:
- Wet Wipes: Always toss them in the trash, even if they claim to be flushable.
- Cotton Products: Place them in a trash bin to prevent blockages.
- Condoms: Wrap them and dispose of them in the trash.
- Diapers: Discard in a diaper bin or trash can.
- Kitty Litter: Always dispose of it in the trash, not down the toilet.
- Medications: Use drug take-back programs or dispose of them safely by mixing with kitty litter and trashing the mixture.
- Chewing Gum: Wrap it and throw it in the trash.
- Cigarette Butts: Extinguish thoroughly and dispose of them in the trash.
- Dead Animals: Wrap them and either bury them or dispose of them.
- Cooking Grease: Let it cool, then dispose of it in the trash.
