Hanford warns residents about proper toilet paper disposal
City reports that wet wipes and other products damage wastewater treatment equipment, increasing costs and clogs
The city of Hanford has urged residents to flush only toilet paper down the toilet, warning that other products such as wet wipes, facial tissues, paper towels and diapers are not suitable for this disposal method.
Local officials posted photographs with the message “look what wipes in the pipes can do to the city’s wastewater treatment plant equipment.”
According to the city’s Wastewater Division, the dumping of wet wipes damages wastewater transport and treatment equipment. Officials reported that unauthorized products clog pumps, pipes and filtering equipment, resulting in additional costs and reduced equipment life.
“Remember to only flush toilet paper down the toilet,” city staff advised through their social networks. In addition, it was emphasized that, although some products may indicate on their packaging that they are flushable, this does not guarantee that they are safe for the sewer system. Therefore, it is recommended that wipes, facial tissues, paper towels and diapers be disposed of in the trash.
