Some manufacturers of disposable wipes indicate on the product’s packaging that the wipes are biodegradable and flushable. Because many of us are concerned about the environment we want to buy products that are biodegradable; when labels tell us that we can safely flush a biodegradable product it makes its use even more convenient.

Unfortunately wipes rarely, if ever, biodegrade in the public sanitary sewerage system. However, their presence in the system can cause clogs and equipment failure in lift stations where mechanical pumps facilitate the conveyance of sewage in many areas of the community. In addition, the wipes could potentially accumulate in your sewer lines and cause sewer backups into your home. If too many wipes accumulate in the sewer system, they can block pipes which can lead to the overflow of raw sewage into streets, buildings, and the environment.

The City of Yuma asks for disposable wipes to be discarded in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet. The proper disposal of these convenient and useful products will help keep our sewer system flowing properly, thereby ensuring the City can safely contain, convey, and treat the community’s wastewater.