Don't Flush That!  -No Wipes Down the Pipes!

A toilet is NOT a trash can.  Only flush the 3 Ps: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper!


 “FluRags Clogging Pumpsshable” Wipes/Baby Wipes/Make-Up Wipes/ Protective Underwear/Diapers/Bed Pads
 Our utility crew removed the clog pictured at left from our sewer in December 2018. Though these products may say they’re flushable, that only means that they will fit down the toilet. They do not break down in water, so they cause blockages and damage sewer infrastructure. Clogs are becoming more frequent, and we need your help. Ignore the hype! Don’t flush a wipe! It's okay to use these products but they belong in the trash can, not your toilet.

Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medications
Our wastewater treatment plant is not designed to remove medications. Medications that are flushed down the toilet end up back in the groundwater and environment. Local pharmacies and the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) have teamed up to provide a safe and free disposal program for prescription and household over-the-counter medications including controlled substances like opioids, pills, ointments, and lotions. All residents of San Luis Obispo County may safely dispose of unwanted medications through this take-back program at any pharmacy in the County. Just ask the pharmacy for a free prepaid, pre-addressed mail-back envelope for safe disposal. Please note that if you have more medications to dispose of than will fit in one envelope, you may visit a pharmacy with a MED-Project kiosk.

Free Pharmacy Medicine Take-Back brochure (Recepción Gratuita de Medicamentos Farmacéuticos)

Learn more about the IWMA Program to dispose of unwanted medicines for FREE!


Feminine Products No wipes down the pipes
Tampons and other feminine hygiene products are meant to absorb water and not break down. When you flush them, they will expand in your pipes and can create blockages.

Dental Floss 
When flushed, dental floss gets tangled up with itself and other debris, creating clogs. Additionally, dental floss is not biodegradable so it can cause environmental damage. The solution is to floss and toss into a trash can!

Kitty Litter 
Flushing kitty litter down your toilet can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Kitty litter consists of clay and sand which can build-up in your plumbing and cause blockages very quickly. You should dispose of kitty litter by putting it in a bag and placing it in your trash can.

Other Items
In addition to the items listed above, here are more items you should never flush down the toilet:

Remember to only flush the 3 Ps: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper! 

It’s a Toilet, Not a Trashcan (İEs un Excusado, No un Basurero!)