Beginning February 1, a new Michigan law requires baby wipes, surface cleaning wipes, and other non-flushable wipes commonly used in the bathroom to prominently display the “Do Not Flush” symbol on packaging.

The law aims to help consumers easily recognize wipes that should never be flushed, as these wipes can cause damage to sewage infrastructure. Michigan clean water utilities pay an estimated $18 million per year in unplanned operating expenses to make repairs and clean up rag balls of non-flushable wipes.

“We want to remind people that the toilet is not a trash can,” says Cheryl Vosburg, Executive Director of the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA). “When residents flush things they shouldn’t, like baby wipes, it can cause significant damage to local sewage infrastructure.”

Michigan is one of seven states to require the proper labeling of non-flushable wet wipes. Other states include California, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Colorado and New Jersey. Additionally, Congress is considering federal legislation called the WIPPES Act. Like the state laws, supported by both wastewater and the wipes industry, the WIPPES Act would make it a national requirement for all baby wipes and other non-flushable wipes made with plastic fibers to have the “Do Not Flush” label.

“Clear and well-placed disposal instructions on non-flushable wipes are key to consumer understanding of which categories of wipes should not be flushed,” said Lara Wyss, president of the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA). “We know from consumer surveys that product packaging is the most trusted place from which people get disposal instructions, making the labeling law an important step in educating people about proper flushing habits.”
 

RFA conducted a recent survey1 of Michigan adults to gauge their knowledge of smart flushing habits. Here are the results (and infographic link):

• 78% of Michigan residents surveyed recognize the “Do Not Flush” symbol
• 93% reported know what should and shouldn’t be flushed

Despite this, some Michigan residents are still not practicing responsible flushing habits…

• 48% self-reported flushing something they knew wasn’t flushable in the past year
• 25% mistakenly believe all soft-paper or products are flushable (includes paper towels)
• 14% mistakenly think (or aren’t sure if) baby wipes are flushable
• 10% mistakenly think (or aren’t sure if) makeup removal wipes are flushable
• 8% falsely believe (or aren’t sure if) cleaning/disinfecting wipes are flushable