Pee, poo, and toilet paper. These are the only three things that should be flushed down your toilet. Anything else can result in clogged pipes and unnecessary repairs to your home and The City’s wastewater system.
- Wipes that claim to be flushable aren’t. Toilet paper will disintegrate after it’s flushed, but so-called “flushable” wipes retain their shape and strength, causing blockages in pipes.
- Paper towel and facial tissue also don’t break down when flushed. Anything used as toilet paper should be bagged and put in your black cart.
- Trace amounts of pills and medication can remain in the water, potentially harming fish and wildlife. Take unwanted medication to a pharmacy for disposal.
- Dental floss, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, condoms, and cosmetics should be put in your black cart.
- Hair is a small thing that can cause big problems! Hair build-up in our treatment plants can result in equipment being shut down for manual cleaning. Put hair in your green cart.
- Fats, oils, and grease can build up in your pipes, restricting flow. When mixed with other non-flushable items, the resulting blockage can measure up to several feet in diameter. Mix small amounts of oil with paper towel, place in a certified compostable bag and dispose of the bag in your green cart.
- Cleaners, disinfectant, chemicals, and paint thinners are considered household hazardous waste and should be taken to a designated drop-off location for safe disposal.
Visit calgary.ca/whatnottoflush.
