In 2021, California’s Proper Labeling of Wet Wipes law (AB 818) was passed, requiring state wastewater agencies and industry experts to study flushing behavior in California cities as part of a larger effort to reduce clogs in our wastewater systems.
The purpose was to determine how frequently non-flushable disposable wipes end up at municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Information gleaned from the study is currently being used in a Consumer Outreach effort to reduce the flushing of non-flushable wipes and other materials. The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) and the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) collaborated with Kennedy Jenks (KJ) and the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) to develop the study and recruit representative California wastewater treatment facilities for participation in 2023. The results represent the largest known domestic sewage collection study to determine what is being flushed and how much of it ends up at treatment facilities where it can clog machinery and pipes.
In October 2023, Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) in Southern California and Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) in Northern California in the greater San Francisco Bay Area participated in collecting and sorting material screened at facility headworks. KJ designed and facilitated the study to collect material over a set schedule during the highest flow periods during the day. Wipes experts assembled a reference library of wipes (flushable and non-flushable) commonly available in California to guide the collection process. Wastewater operators and wipes experts collected, sorted and identified more than 1,700 items pulled from the two locations during peak flow times. CASA members observed the study collection and signed off on the findings. The results were compiled and the findings published as the final study report.
The results of the study are similar to previous studies in other areas of the country: people continue to flush non-flushable wipes, especially baby wipes, along with other non-flushable materials. This material can cause blockages, “fatbergs,” and clogged pumps that are costly and time-consuming to repair. A full breakdown of the material collected is listed below.
- 34.1% wipes labeled with the “Do Not Flush” symbol (baby wipes, cleaning wipes, makeup wipes, etc.)
- 64.9% other non-flushable items (paper towels, feminine hygiene products, trash, etc.)
- 0.9% wipes labeled as flushable
This information will be used to establish a baseline of consumer behavior. A consumer outreach program (#FlushSmart) will use the information to increase recognition of the “Do Not Flush” icon and educate consumers about the impact of flushing non-flushable wipes and other materials. Convincing consumers to refrain from flushing non-flushable wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products, could cover more than 90% of the materials currently clogging our sewer and treatment systems.
Read the RFA Press Release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231030098107/en/What-are-Californians-Flushing-You-Might-Be-Surprised.
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About California Association of Sanitation Agencies
CASA represents more than 135 local public agencies engaged in the collection, treatment and recycling of wastewater and biosolids to protect public health and the environment. CASA’s mission is to provide trusted information and advocacy on behalf of California clean water agencies, and to be a leader in sustainability and utilization of renewable resources.
About Responsible Flushing Alliance
The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to consumer education focused on what not to flush. RFA’s goal is to change consumer behavior to help reduce damage to our nation’s sewage systems caused by objects and materials not designed to be flushed. For more information, visit https://www.flushsmart.org or on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X.
About INDA
Founded in 1968, INDA member companies represent the entire nonwovens value-chain. From raw materials and roll goods producers, to machinery manufacturers and converters, to brand owners, INDA works each day to fulfill the mission of “fostering member and industry success through its activities.” INDA does this by providing thought-leadership in Innovation & Technology through conference content, recognition awards and industry reports; protecting markets that are important to INDA members through focused Product Stewardship; advocating for industry sectors impacted by regulatory or consumer-driven issues; organizing face-to-face interaction through industry expositions and events to facilitate the advancement of each participant’s interests; recruiting, educating and training industry members through strengthened outreach and broadening of on-site and on-line courses relevant to experience levels and market segments; and enhancing access to new markets through international activities.
About Kennedy Jenks
Kennedy Jenks is a leading water and environmental engineering and environmental sciences firm that serves public agencies and private-sector clients with over 500 employees nationwide. The employee-owned firm delivers innovative design, construction, and technology solutions for water and environmental projects across the United States.
Media Contact
For more information about Kennedy Jenks, please contact Suzanne Broadbent, Senior Director of Communications at media@kennedyjenks.com
