What not to throw in the toilet

Last updated February 2, 2022
Reading time: 1 min
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Being careful about what we throw in our toilet bowls helps keep our sewer system running smoothly and prevents disruptions. Do you know what you can and cannot flush down the toilet? Find out here.

Serious consequences

Flushing hair or cooking grease down the toilet may not seem like a big deal, but the consequences could be severe. This type of waste is not soluble (and even worse, grease and oil solidify). They can clog pipes and damage the wastewater treatment system. They can also cause a sewer backup or cause wastewater to overflow into nearby waterways.

The good news is all this can be avoided by being careful what you flush down the toilet.

A few examples

Here are some examples of things you should never throw in the toilet:

  • Wet wipes and baby wipes 
  • Menstrual pads or tampons
  • Diapers
  • Cotton buds
  • Hair
  • Dental floss
  • Condoms
  • Medication
  • Cooking oil or grease
  • Food

To sum it up, never throw anything in the toilet except toilet paper … and that’s all!

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