Public Advisory On Sewer Backup Prevention & Use Of Appropriate Products

Press release from the Town of Plymouth:

PLYMOUTH, MA — The Town of Plymouth’s Department of Public Works ("DPW") is asking all residents and property owners to pay careful attention to what items they are utilizing and flushing through toilets into the public sewer system.

Residents should not flush anything through toilets other than toilet paper, whether for personal hygiene purposes or for wiping and cleaning surfaces.

It is very important to note that, although many so-called "flushable" wipes are advertised as being safe for flushing, in reality, they can cause backups in both household pipes and the public sewer system, and can contribute to the buildup of foreign materials. In some cases, these wipes can attach to buildups of grease in the system and create large blockages that can result in severe system backups. Though the "flushable" wipes concern is not new to wastewater facilities, there is an increased risk to the public system due to current concerns about the availability of toilet paper.

The town is working closely with Veolia North America, which operates and maintains the Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Facility, to educate the public about the need to avoid flushing inappropriate items through toilets.

The following sanitation and personal hygiene products SHOULD NOT be flushed down toilets:

• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Wet wipes/baby wipes
• Facial tissues
• Dental flossing products

As a general reminder, below is a list of "Dos & Don'ts" for reducing waste and avoiding backups in household pipes and the public sewer system:

• DO NOT flush wipes, gloves, towels or other trash down the toilet, even if the items are labeled as flushable.

• DO NOT pour grease down kitchen sinks or toilets. Instead, put grease in a sealed non-recyclable container and throw it out with regular garbage.

• DO NOT use the sink as a toilet or the toilet as a garbage disposal.
• DO reduce waste by using compostable or reusable cleaning supplies such as paper towels, cotton balls, or rags.
• DO toss dirty baby, makeup and cleaning wipes, tampons, sanitary pads and condoms in the trash.

• DO recycle finished toilet rolls, cardboard packaging from toothpaste and brushes, and plastic packaging from shampoos and shower gels.

The town appreciates the community’s cooperation in helping to maintain the function of the public sewer system and prevent the damage and inconvenience caused by sewer backups.

For more information, please contact Chad Whiting of the DPW Sewer Division via cwhiting@townhall.plymouth.ma.us, or visit the municipal website at https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/sewer-division.

This press release was produced by the Town of Plymouth. The views expressed here are the author’s own.