Here is a simple truth. Sewer systems were designed to handle two things — human waste and toilet paper. Flushing anything else down the toilet can cause big problems for pipes and wastewater treatment facilities.

Wipes — and yes, even those labeled “flushable” — have been enemy number one of sewer systems for years now. With the COVID-19 outbreak, wipes are flying off the shelves. Flushing wipes increases the chances that your own pipes will get blocked, and causes serious problems for the sewer system in general. So no matter what the container says, please do not flush wipes.

You can help tremendously by not flushing wipes or rags down the toilet. Toilets should never be used in place of a trash can. Instead, click the links below to find out exactly how to dispose of these commonly-flushed items:

• Wipes
• Paper towels, napkins and facial tissues
• Household cleaners** and scrubbing pads
• Food scraps
• Fats, oils, and greases
• Vitamins, medicines or other pharmaceuticals*
• Diapers (cloth, disposable, “flushable liners”)
• Cotton swabs
• Kitty litter
• Hair
• Electronics**
• Paint**
• Motor Oil**
• Pesticides**
• Batteries**
• Thermometers**
• Light Bulbs**
• Tampons & sanitary napkins
• Condoms
• Dental floss

*Please set aside pharmaceuticals. Once the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, take them to a drop off bin. Here is a list of drop-off pharmaceutical containers in San Jose.

**The County of Santa Clara has suspended household hazardous waste (HHW) operations, including residential and CESQG (small business) drop-off and events, in response to COVID-19.

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