This week at the World of Wipes (WOW) conference, attendees will explore topics related to the global wipes industry. One of the key regulatory issue that has challenged the wipes supply chain for more than a decade is flushability. Earlier this year, the wipes industry racked up win with the passage of the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act (H.R. 2269) in th U.S. House of Representatives. The WIPPES Act, which creates national standards for “Do Not Flush” labeling for non-flushable wipes, passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in December of 2023, and in June it cleared the House floor in a voice vote. The Senate version of the bill (S. 1092) advanced out of the Senate Science, Commerce, and Energy Committee.
 
This bipartisan legislation is intended to address the growing problem of sewer system clogs caused by improper disposal of consumer wipes that are not intended to be disposed of in toilets. This federal solution is the result of a years-long industry collaboration with wastewater operators, which has resulted in the passage of similar legislation in seven states. The WIPPES Act will create a national standard based on existing state laws to ensure non-flushable wipes will carry prominent “Do Not Flush” labeling on packaging.
 
“INDA has championed this legislation for the past two years, and we are encouraged to see it pass out of the House for the consecutive Congress. With the Senate Commerce Committee having advanced the Senate version of the bill last month, we now have more momentum behind this legislation than ever. We extend our thanks to the bill sponsors, our industry and wastewater partners, and INDA members as we take another step forward to make “Do Not Flush” labeling nationwide,” says Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs.
 
The WIPPES Act lead sponsors in the House are Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA), and the bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)