What Not to Flush

Flushing toilet

Flush only toilet paper and human waste. 

Protect your low-pressure wastewater disposal system(PDF, 3MB) and gravity system to prevent your house plumbing lines from clogging.

Do not flush or throw these items down the drain

  • automotive fluid
  • wipes of any kind, flushable and non-flushable
  • bandages, wrappings
  • cigarette butts
  • coffee grounds
  • condoms, contraceptives
  • dental floss
  • disposable diapers
  • dryer sheets
  • ear swabs, cotton balls
  • excessive fats, oil, grease
  • facial tissue, paper towels
  • feminine hygiene products
  • hair
  • medication
  • scrubbing pads
  • pet waste, kitty litter
  • paints, solvents, sealants, thinners
  • poisons, hazardous waste
  • plastic of any kind
  • inorganic materials
  • syringes, needles, sharps

Videos: Do not flush wipes!

F.O.G. (fats, oils and grease)

Francis FOGberg

Learn more about non-flushable items from Francis FOGberg, a congealed mass of fats, oil, and grease (FOG), plus other non-flushable items.

Masses of congealed grease and other non-flushable items found in sewer systems are often referred to as “fatbergs,” which combine the words “fat” and “iceberg” to describe the look of this greasy glacier.

Meet resident troublemaker Francis FOGberg—one of those congealed masses. Francis is so much more than a fatberg though—he’s a FOGberg—fats, oil, and grease—as well other things that should not be flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain.

When FOG enters pipes, it cools and forms blockages, which prevent wastewater from flowing efficiently. It builds up over time and collects other flushed debris like wipes, medicine, and plastic products. The clogs create backups in your home and can damage infrastructure, and ultimately, wastewater cannot be properly processed and treated to make reuse.

You’ll see Francis FOGberg out and about at community events bringing awareness to the issues FOG and other non-flushable items can cause, as well as ways you can help prevent it(PDF, 3MB).

Educational Resources

Contact

For more information, contact Utility Outreach Manager Jenny Tomes at 772-871-5131 or email jtomes@cityofpsl.com.