Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Facts and figures about flushable cleansing wipes and Cdn sewage systems

CP25989023
Barry Orr of the City of London Environmental and Engineering Services displays many of the Items that are clogging the sewage system pumps in London, ON, Friday, Nov. 15, 2013 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley

OTTAWA – Facts and figures on flushable wipes and Canadian waste-water treatment facilities:

Number of waste-water plants in Canada: 3,700

Average amount each of them budgets annually for clogs suspected to have been caused by wipes: up to $80,000

Cost to some communities per clog: $5,000

Products that plumbers and waste-water officials say they often find stuck in pipes: condoms, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, dental floss, cotton swabs, diapers, personal wipes, bandages, medicines, kitty litter, food waste, cooking grease, paint

What they say is safe to flush down the toilet: Toilet paper and human waste

(Source: Wastewater Treatment Operations, City of London, Ont.)

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

Related Articles