Think Before You Flush
Putting trash down the kitchen sink or any other drain in the house can cause pipes to clog, burst or backup. This can potentially lead to expensive, hazardous spills in your home, business, and even our streets, rivers and ocean.
Toilets are not Trash Cans
Only human waste (urine and feces) and toilet paper should ever be flushed down the toilet. These common items should always be kept out of the toilet:
- Facial tissue (Kleenex)
- Disposable diapers/baby wipes
- Tampons and tampon applicators/ sanitary napkins /mini or maxi pads
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Hygiene wipes (even if it says flushable)
- Condoms
- Cleaning wipes of any kind
- Bandages and bandage wrappings
- Automotive fluids
- Paint, solvents, sealants and thinners
- Poisons and hazardous waste
- Cat litter (even if it says flushable)
- Unused medications (dispose at an approved prescription drug take-back event)
“Flushable” Wipes are NOT Flushable
On October 6, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 818 into law requiring all packaging for diaper wipes, cleaning wipes, and cosmetic wipes to display clear “Do Not Flush” warnings starting in July 2022. In addition to disposal labeling on individual packaging, the bill also requires wipe manufacturers to educate the public on the impacts of improper disposal of wipes to the environment and wastewater system.
While these products have previously been marketed as “flushable” to consumers, improper disposal of wipes into the sewer system can lead to expensive plumbing repairs, as well as potential sanitary sewer overflows caused by the clogging of pumps in the City’s collection system. Ventura Water ask that residents continue to do their part and only flush the “3 P’s”- pee, poo and (toilet) paper.