As paper products are disappearing off retail shelves, we are reminding everyone of the potential damage to property and expense to property owners if the correct disposal methods are not followed. This information is provided to residents to increase their understanding of the potential effects on both private and city sewer connections.
FLUSHABLE and NON-FLUSHABLE
Many products are marked disposable and/or flushable; however, they do not degrade like toilet paper. The City of Phillipsburg learned this lesson the hard way last year. These products cannot pass through the lift station pumps causing the pumps to plug and burn up. In addition, these products can cause clogging in the lines and messy sewer backups in homes, businesses, and streets. Some items that should NOT be flushed or put down the drains include, but are not limited to: facial tissues; fats-oils-greases; paper towels; paper or cloth napkins; baby wipes; disinfectant wipes; cat litter (even if marked flushable); Swiffer pads; toilet bowl scrub pads; dental floss; egg shells-nutshells-coffee grounds; sanitary napkins/tampons; condoms; medicine and medical syringes; cigarettes.
Flushable wipes and other such products don’t biodegrade and can lead to blockages in sewer pipes. Wet Wipes have become an issue as they’re advertised as being flushable and will disintegrate like toilet paper. Generally, that is not true and has caused numerous blockages and backups in the lines.
The City is sharing this information with our customers to increase awareness and to assist the City in keeping infrastructure costs in check. We ask for the community’s assistance in abiding by these guidelines and assisting in the preservation of our sanitary sewer infrastructure.