As you may have experienced over the past couple weeks toilet paper is scarce and some have moved using alternatives. The Portland Water District implores you to only flush toilet paper because other products clog up the sewer system.
According to Scott Firmin, Director of Operations – Wastewater from the Portland Water District, toilet paper breaks down very quickly so the sewer system and treatment plants can handle it, other products it can’t.
A list of items that shouldn’t be flushed:
Baby wipes
Paper towels
Tissues
Dental floss
Feminine products
Cotton balls and swabs
Cat litter
Prescription drugs
Over-the-counter medicines
Cigarette buts
Firmin, says when it comes to flushable wipes, put one in a jar with water, tighten up the cap and shake to see if it breaks up like toilet paper. If it doesn’t match, it’s not ok to flush. Firmin does ask that you toss the above items in the trash so the sewer plant can run properly.
Maine DEP echoes these words for all other sewage systems across the state.
*Scott Firmin was on with John MacDonald, Saturday March 21, 2020, full interview online*
