Unflushable waste

We all have a role to play

Every time you flush the toilet, pull the plug from a sink, or have a shower, that used water goes through our wastewater network. When the wrong things are flushed or poured down drains, pipes can block and wastewater can overflow into the environment.

When we all play our part in looking after our wastewater network, that helps to:

protect our waterways
protect public health and the services we all rely on every day
avoid costly repairs and disruptions.

What causes blockages and overflows?

Most wastewater blockages happen because items are flushed or washed away when they should be binned instead. Common problem items include wipes, sanitary products, nappies, cotton buds, paper towels, rags, clothing, food scraps and grease.

These materials can snag, build up and block pipes. When that happens, wastewater can overflow and end up in our precious waterways, or affect properties and public spaces.

On average, we remove 150 tonnes of waste from our sewer pipes (that is waste that shouldn't be there) across our district every year. That’s the equivalent of one whole bus every month!

How you can help

Small actions at home and work can make a big difference. By only flushing the 3 P's and keeping problem items out of drains, you can help protect our waterways and wastewater network.

Only flush pee, poo and toilet paper

The only things that should go down the toilet are pee, poo and toilet paper. Everything else should go in the bin.

Wet wipes, even those labelled "flushable", do not break down like toilet paper. They can catch on roots, fat and other debris in pipes, causing blockages and overflows.

Do not flush these items

These items should be put in the bin instead:

Wet wipes, including products labelled "flushable"
Disposable nappies
Tampons, mini or maxi pads and other hygiene products
Cotton buds and cotton balls
Paper towels and tissues
Condoms
Bandages and wrappers
Unused medications (return to your local pharmacy)

Keep paint and chemicals out of drains

Paint, solvents, cleaners and other chemicals can damage the wastewater system and harm the environment. They should never be poured down sinks, outside grates or stormwater drains.

Take paint and chemicals to your nearest landfill or transfer centre for safe disposal.

Fats, oils and grease go in the bin

Cooking fats, oils and grease might go down the sink as a liquid, but they cool and harden inside pipes. Over time, this build-up can block the network and lead to wastewater overflows.

Let fats and grease cool, scrape them into a container or on paper, and put in the rubbish
Food scraps should go in the compost or rubbish bin, not down the sink
If you run a commercial kitchen, use an approved waste contractor to collect and dispose of fats and oils safely.