Put wipes in the garbage, even if they say ‘flushable’

METRO Vancouver is launching a new public education campaign aimed at preventing millions of dollars in damage to the region’s sewer systems caused by flushing wipes down toilets. The “Adult Toilet Training” campaign reminds residents that all wipes — even those labeled “flushable” — go in the garbage, not the toilet.

“Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean your toilet training is over. Too many people are still flushing wipes, causing all kinds of problems in the sewer system,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors, on Tuesday. “Most people are already doing the right thing, but we need everyone to remember – only flush pee, poo and toilet paper.”

When wipes get flushed, they contribute to problems like blocked sewers that back up into homes, businesses, and spill into the environment. These problems are costly, with Metro Vancouver and its municipalities spending millions of dollars each year on cleanup and maintenance.

“Wipes don’t break down like toilet paper —they cause clogs that jam pipes, pumps, and other infrastructure. Yet, many are falsely labelled ‘flushable,’” said Malcolm Brodie, Chair of the Liquid Waste Committee. “Part of the problem is there’s still no legal definition for ‘flushable’ in Canada, so anyone can claim their products are safe to flush, regardless of how destructive they really are.”

A recent market survey found that while most residents properly dispose of wipes in the garbage, about a quarter of residents flush wipes at least occasionally, with young men aged 18 – 35 being the most likely contributors.

Vancouver’s Adult Toilet Training campaign will be in market in May and June; residents may see signage in restrooms and elevator screens throughout the region.

To learn more, visit neverflushwipes.ca, and follow on social media: #neverflushwipes