Wipes are a popular personal hygiene product that has become a staple in many households. They are marketed as "flushable," implying that they can be safely disposed of by flushing them down the toilet. However, the reality is quite different. Wipes are labeled as flushable by a different standard than what is recommended by wastewater treatment facilities. In this blog, we will explore why wipes should not be flushed down the toilet and why the "flushable" label is misleading.

The truth is that wipes, even those labeled as "flushable," do not break down easily in water. Unlike toilet paper, which is specifically designed to disintegrate quickly in water, wipes are made of materials that are not easily broken down. They can cause blockages in pipes and clog up sewage systems. They also end up in wastewater treatment facilities, where they can damage equipment and increase maintenance costs. Worst of all, they can make their way into rivers and oceans, where they can harm marine life and contribute to pollution.

So why are wipes labeled as flushable? It turns out that there is no standard definition of what "flushable" means. Some manufacturers use a test called the "slosh box" test, which involves putting a wipe in a container of water and swirling it around. If the wipe breaks down into small pieces in a certain amount of time, it can be labeled as flushable. However, this test does not reflect real-world conditions, where wipes are often flushed down the toilet with other materials and can end up in a complex sewage system.

Wastewater treatment facilities recommend that only human waste and toilet paper be flushed down the toilet. Anything else, including wipes, should be disposed of in the trash. This recommendation is based on years of experience and research and is designed to protect the environment and ensure the proper functioning of sewage systems.

In conclusion, wipes should not be flushed down the toilet, even if they are labeled as "flushable." The labeling standard used by manufacturers is not the same as what is recommended by wastewater treatment facilities, and flushing wipes can cause serious harm to the environment and sewage systems. It is important to dispose of wipes in the trash and follow the recommendations of wastewater treatment facilities. Let's work together to protect our planet and keep our sewage systems functioning properly.