South Orange Reminder To Not Flush Disposable Wipes

Press release from the Village of South Orange:

April 6, 2020

Do Not Flush Disposable Wipes!

Please continue reading for more information.

Members of the public are advised to follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations regarding cleaning surfaces with disinfecting wipes to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Members of the public, however, are reminded NOT to flush these disinfecting wipes, paper towels and/or similar items down the toilet. They must be disposed of properly by placing them in trash cans. Flushing these products down toilets will lead to clogs in the sewers and cause backups and overflows at wastewater treatment facilities, including the Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties, thereby creating an additional public health risk in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Even wipes labeled “flushable” should NOT be flushed down the toilet. They too can clog pipes and interfere with sewage collection and treatment. Wipes, including "flushable" wipes, and paper towels do not break down like toilet paper. As such, please dispose of these products properly so as to allow the Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties and its dedicated sewer operators to continue to protect the health and safety of the communities during this crisis by operating the system properly.

We appreciate your cooperation.

This press release was produced by the Village of South Orange. The views expressed here are the author’s own.