SVCW Myth Buster Series: Myth #1 – Wipes are Flushable

To flush wet wipes or not to flush – that is the question. 

Wet wipes are everywhere. Royalty, of sorts, in the court of quick, convenient cleaning and disinfecting options at home, on shopping carts, stocked in diaper bags, basically anywhere a few quick swipes can do the trick. Which brings us to the universal question: Can we flush wipes down the toilet? If the packaging says ‘biodegradable’ or ‘flushable’ it’s ok, right?

No, here’s why: Wet wipes don’t break apart like toilet paper when they’re flushed. They’re designed to do the opposite and often remain intact as they travel through pipes. Many wipes are made with synthetic or plastic-based fibers, which keeps them from falling apart during use and disintegrating once flushed.

What happens next: Flushed wipes travel whole through sewer pipes where they can snag on roots, pipe surfaces, and other debris. Once they’re entangled, they collect fats, oils, and grease, which forms blockages. The obstruction clogs pipes and plumbing systems, causing slow drains, sewer backups and overflows.

The upshot: Maintenance crews are called in to pull tangled masses of wipes from machinery that isn’t designed to process them. These costs are ultimately paid by ratepayers due to higher operating expenses. Additionally, wipes in sewer overflows can land in rivers, streams, bays, and oceans—dangerous for wildlife, waterways and the environment.

Enter The WIPPES Act

The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act is a bipartisan legislation introduced by Congress. It requires manufacturers of many non-flushable wipes—baby wipes, household cleaning wipes, disinfecting wipes, and personal care wipes—to clearly display a prominent ”Do Not Flush” label on product packaging. In March 2026, the Senate unanimously passed the WIPPES Act after the House had previously approved its version, moving the legislation closer to becoming federal law.

So, what can you flush? Remember the Three Ps:

• Pee

• Poop

• Paper (toilet)

Everything else—wet wipes, paper towels, tissues, diapers, cotton swabs, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, etc. belongs in the trash.

Simple shifts, like changing where we discard wipes, can help the environment, our communities, and our families. Let’s all step in to make a difference. Let’s work together to keep all that surrounds us healthy and safe – today and generations to come.