What Not to Flush

When the right things go down the toilet they are flushed away and start a journey through sewer pipes to the wastewater treatment plant where the waste is removed and the treated wastewater is returned to the Mare Island Strait.

When items are flushed down the toilet that should be put in the trash, they cause problems in our homes, in the sewer pipes, and at the wastewater treatment plant. These items stick together and block pipes and pumps, which can lead to sewer overflows, at homes or in the streets. 

Wastewater treatment plants are designed to remove what comes out of our bodies and toilet paper, as well as small bits of food that comes from garbage disposals. Treatment plants are not designed to remove anything other than that ... so wipes, cigarette butts, feminine products and condoms, swabs, disposable diapers, unwanted medicine, dental floss, cooking oil, hair, etc. should be put in the trash, and never flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain.