Being WipeSmart

​The toilet is not a bin. Despite how convenient it might be to drop that dirty wipe into the toilet, don't do it!
​Just because it goes down – out of sight – does not mean it is flushable.

Non-flushable wipes should go in the bin. ​Having a bin in your bathroom would help!
​
Click on the links to learn more about disposing of wipes, and how to look after the sewerage system in general.

How should you dispose of wipes?

Only flush wipes that meet all the following:
  • Are designed to come in contact with human waste
  • Are used in a bathroom
  • Have been assessed as flushable according to an appropriate standard 

Look for package labelling on whether the product is suitable for flushing. You may see symbols like these, which show that the product must be disposed of in the bin.
If the product is marketed as “flushable”, check the package label for instructions on use and disposal.

If in doubt – bin it!

Remember…blockages, smells, spills, expensive repairs – why risk it!

Need any more incentive? According to Australian law[i] it is an offence if “a person wilfully or negligently disposes of waste in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment”.
​
See below for more on how to look after the sewerage system.

Beyond wipes – looking after the sewerage system

As well as non-flushable wipes, there are other things that should never be flushed down the toilet. Or, in some cases, go down any household drain!

​Fats, oils and greases (FOGs), for example, should not go down the drain.

FOGs may be partially broken up by detergents or liquefied by hot water when they enter the drain. But, as the detergent becomes diluted and the water cools downstream, grease can solidify on pipe walls.

Other solid items may get stuck in narrow household pipes or become part of solid, non-mobile masses in sewers.

​Solid items can also interfere with other wastewater treatment infrastructure such as pumps, which assist in the flow of sewerage. 

​
Don't flush...
  • Non-flushable wipes: baby wipes, facial wipes, household wipes
  • Tissues
  • Paper towel
  • Nappies
  • Feminine hygiene products, including tampons
  • Condoms
  • Cigarettes
  • Cotton buds
  • Dental floss
  • Pet litter
​
  • Medicines & health supplements

Don't drain dispose...
  • Fats & oils
  • Food
  • Hair





​Put them in the household rubbish





​
​
Take them to your local pharmacy - see www.returnmed.com.au for more information
- Use a sink strainer in the kitchen sink, & there are also drain strainers for the shower
- Pour kitchen fats and oils into a container then seal it and throw it in the bin
- Wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing

A few more tips to get the best from your wipes!

  • Use wipes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Check the ingredient list if you have sensitive skin or known allergies and stop using if there is a reaction.
  • Keep containers tightly closed to keep wipes from drying out.
  • Store as directed – temperature extremes may damage the product.
  • Discard used wipes immediately – check packaging for disposal instructions and in most cases put in the bin.
References
​[i] Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 No 156, Chapter 5, Part 5.2, Section 115