What Not To Flush: Protecting Our Sewer System

Please Flush Responsibly

Flushing the wrong things down the drain can damage the sewer system that carries wastewater and cause pipes and pumps to clog. It can also lead to Sanitary Sewer Overflow in which water gets backed up into your home, your neighbor’s home, and even onto the roads. 

Residents, restaurant owners, convenience stores, nail salons, and anyone who uses the city sewer system should be responsible for what they flush or pour down drains because flushing responsibly can help reduce health hazards for you and the community. 

What Can You Flush? 

Only flush toilet paper and human waste (urine and feces). 

Don’t Flush...

Although they appear harmless at first, when these items (see list below) get flushed down the toilet, they can clog up, damage treatment facilities, necessitate expensive cleanups or repairs, increase water bills, and/or create toxic environmental issues for the community.

Don't Flush Diapers
Don't Flush Kitty Litter
Don't Flush Expired Medicine
Don't Flush Tampons
Don't Flush Cotton Swabs
Don't Flush Baby Wipes
Don't Flush Hair
Don't Flush Cigarette Butts
Don't Flush Rags
Don't Flush Toilet Brush
Don't Flush Floss
Don't Flush Candy Wrappers
Don't Flush Bandages
 
Here are some commonly-flushed supplies, that should be kept out of the toilet:
  • Aquarium Gravel
  • Baby/Facial/Cleaning Wipes
  • Bandages
  • Candy/Food Wrappers
  • Cigarette Butts
  • Clothing Labels
  • Cotton Swabs/Cotton Balls
  • Dental Floss
  • Diapers
  • Disposable Toilet Brush
  • Expired Medication
  • Fat, Cooking Oil, Grease
  • Fruit Stickers
  • Hair
  • Kitty Litter
  • Paper Towels
  • Plastic Items
  • Rags & Towels
  • Rubber Items (ex. gloves)
  • Syringes
  • Tampons/Sanitary Napkins

"Flushable" Items

Items with packages that say "flushable" or safe for pipes don’t necessarily make it true. Many items marketed as disposable and/or flushable are not biodegradable like toilet paper. These items could still wind up clogging pipes, tangle pumps, slow down or stop pumps, and/or cause Sanitary Sewer Overflow into streets, businesses, and homes.

Remember: It’s a toilet, not a trash can! If it’s not toilet paper or human waste, it doesn’t belong.

FROG (Fats, Rags, Oils, & Grease)

When Fats, Oils, Rags, and Grease go down the drain, they build up in pipes to cause clogs. These clogs can cause a sewer pipe to break or back up into the street. 

To combat backwater overflow, the Town of Davie has implemented a local industrial wastewater treatment program, but we need YOUR help to keep our sewers clean!

Never pour grease or oil in your sink drain or garbage disposal. Also, try to use your garbage disposal less as seed, meats and uncooked vegetable matter do not break down in the sewer system or in the treatment plant. Any other supplies should be discarded appropriately.