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Unflushables 101: How small choices keep our waterways clean

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Actions — both big and small — have a profound effect on the health of the Reedy River.

We all rely on our local waterways — for recreation, for wildlife habitats, and for the overall health of our community. One of the simplest ways to protect them starts right at home: being mindful of what we flush.

Those ever-so-handy “flushable” wipes. While some brands are marketed as “certified” flushable, it’s still safest to keep them out of the toilet.

After all, it’s an understandable misconception that anything labeled “flushable” will safely break down. The truth is that wipes may flush, but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper.

And it’s not just wipes that cause problems.

Many everyday household items that seem harmless — like diapers, feminine hygiene products, cotton rounds, paper towels, cleaning wipes, and even “compostable” or “biodegradable” products — belong in the trash can. These materials don’t break down in water, and they can create the same costly blockages and environmental hazards when flushed.

Rather than trying to memorize an ever-growing list of what not to flush, it’s easier to focus on what you can: only the three P’s. Everything else should be disposed of in the trash. Your city (and your pipes) will thank you.

Think twice before you flush

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