WHAT NOT TO FLUSH … & OTHER TIPS
The City encourages responsible disposal of all products through the wastewater/sewer system, and asks that certain products be disposed of using other methods.
WHAT NOT TO FLUSH
- Disposable wipes of any kind, even if labeled “flushable.” Wipes don’t break down in the sewer line and have become one of the No. 1 causes of sewer backups.
- F.O.G. (fats, oils and grease) This includes cooking oils and grease flushed through the sink or dishwasher and greasy scraps sent through the garbage disposal. F.O.G. cools and congeals down the line, sticking to pipes.
- Feminine sanitary products including tampons, applicators and pads.
- Diapers and nursing pads.
- Dental floss.
- Paper towels and tissues.
- Hair.
- Cotton balls and Q-tips.
- Condoms.
HELPFUL TIPS
Collect fats, oils and grease (F.O.G.) in a container and dispose of it in the garbage. Prior to washing any cookware or dishes with F.O.G. residual, wipe it down with a paper towel and discard the paper towel in the garbage.
Common sources of F.O.G. include:
- Oil from cooked meats and fish.
- Gravies, sauces and soups.
- Cooking oil, butter, shortening, lard and margarine.
- Milk, cream, sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Oily or greasy food scraps.
Scrape or discard food scraps in the garbage prior to washing dishes.
Dispose of disposable wipes, even ones labeled “flushable,” feminine sanitary products, diapers, dental floss and paper towels in the garbage.
Install and maintain a backflow device and/or a pop-up cleanout.