Flushing unwanted items down the toilet might seem like a quick fix, but it often leads to stubborn clogs and overloads sewage treatment plants. Drawing from plumbing expertise and environmental guidelines, here are five items to always avoid flushing.
Dead goldfish may appear harmless, but flushing them releases viruses and bacteria into the sewer system, harming water quality. Opt for proper pet disposal methods instead.
Only wipes labeled 'flushable'—like some toilet papers—are safe. Baby wipes, makeup removers, and cleaning wipes can cause major blockages; always check the packaging.
Liquids such as soup or sauce might go down easily, but solid scraps should go in the trash or compost bin. Flushing them clogs pipes and sewers.
Read also: 'Actually, we all poop wrong'
Annually, around 140,000 kg of medication residues are filtered from wastewater. Return expired drugs to your pharmacy for safe, responsible disposal.
Liquid fats, oils, and shortening solidify in pipes, trapping debris and building massive blockages. Dispose of them in the trash, never the toilet.
Images: Getty Images. Sources: Girlfriend, Margriet, Milieu Centraal
