City issues ‘do not flush’ list

The City of Rhinelander Water/Wastewater Department is reminding residents that what goes down the toilet does not simply disappear.

“Flushing inappropriate items can cause sewer backups, damage expensive treatment equipment, increase maintenance costs, and negatively impact the environment,” city officials said in a press release. “While it may be convenient to use the toilet as a trash can, many common household items do not break down in the wastewater system. These materials can clog pipes, jam pumps, and create costly repairs throughout the city’s sanitary sewer system.”

Residents should only flush toilet paper and human waste, the release notes, everything else belongs in the trash or should be disposed of through the proper recycling or hazardous waste program.

According to the city, the following items should never be flushed down the toilet:

Wipes (even if labeled “flushable”)

Rags and towels

Feminine hygiene products and tampons

Trash

Diapers and baby wipes

Toys

Cigarette butts

Underwear and socks

Rubber items such as latex gloves

Kitty litter

Medicines and needles

Clothing and clothing labels

Sponges

Dental floss

Cotton balls and cotton swabs

Facial tissues

Food scraps

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG)

Food wrappers

Aquarium gravel

Paint and stains

Household hazardous waste

Paper towels and napkins

Why Improper Flushing Is a Problem

Many of the items listed  do not dissolve in water like toilet paper, the release states. Instead, they remain intact as they travel through the sewer system, where they can snag on pumps,

collect with grease, and form large blockages.

“These blockages can cause sewage to back up into homes, businesses, and streets,” the release states. “These items also cause issues with lift station pumps getting stuck in impellers, which can also cause backups. Items such as wipes, diapers, feminine products, dental floss, and cotton swabs are among the most common materials found clogging wastewater equipment. Even products marketed as ‘flushable’ often do not break apart fast enough to move safely through the sewer system. In addition, flushing medicines, paints, and hazardous household materials can introduce harmful substances into the wastewater treatment process and the environment.”

The city’s water/wastewater department works 24 hours a day to collect and treat wastewater safely and efficiently, the release notes. Residents can help protect public infrastructure and reduce costly repairs by disposing of waste properly.

A simple rule to remember is: If it’s not toilet paper, don’t flush it.

For more information about proper disposal practices, contact the water/wastewater Department superintendent, Curt Johnson at cjohnson@rhinelanderwi.us or 715-362-473.