I Don't Flush Campaign Urges Ontarians To Trash Their Bad Habits, Not Their Drains

TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Are you ready to break up with your bad habits? The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) and the Clean Water Foundation (CWF) – in partnership with the Regional Municipality of York, Region of Peel, Town of LaSalle, Niagara Region, City of Barrie and Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury – have teamed up again to deliver the I Don't Flush message.

Image 1: A mound of wipes pulled out of a sewage pumping station after a blockage was discovered. Image 2: A build-up of fats, oils and grease (FOG) in a pipe at a wastewater facility. (CNW Group/Ontario Clean Water Agency)

Ontarians are guilty of using their toilets and drains like garbage cans, resulting in costly damage to their homes, the environment, and municipal infrastructure. This campaign educates the public on proper disposal of the biggest offenders – personal hygiene products, fats, oils and grease (FOG), pharmaceuticals, and household hazardous waste.

"The only things meant to be flushed are No.1, No.2 and toilet paper" says Christopher Hilkene, President, Clean Water Foundation. "Anything else can directly and indirectly end up polluting our rivers and lakes."

Many people are unaware of the damage caused by their improper disposal habits:

Pharmaceuticals
Throwing these in the garbage or toilet contributes to the contamination of our environment. Examples: Expired pharmaceuticals, medications, vitamins

Personal Hygiene Products
Even items labelled "flushable" can lead to sewer backups, flooded basements and raw sewage discharge into lakes and rivers. Examples: wipes, sanitary products, dental floss

Fats, Oils and Grease
When FOG is put down the drain, it cools and forms blockages leading to basement flooding and sewage overflows. These clogs can also damage wastewater facilities, and water rates may increase to cover costly repairs. Examples: Meat fats, butter, gravies

Household Hazardous Waste
When poured down drains, these items can potentially enter source waters and harm aquatic life. Examples: Cleaning, gardening and automobile care products

"Treating your drains like trash cans can have consequences," says Amy Lane, Manager of Marketing and Communications, OCWA. "Imagine coming home to a sewage backup in your basement because your pipes are clogged with grease, wipes or hygiene products? The I Don't Flush campaign makes it clear how to protect your pipes and avoid costly repairs and environmental damage."

The newest campaign includes a PSA on coming to terms with the mistreatment of your toilet (and sink!) and how to improve your relationship going forward.

http://www.youtube.com/user/idontflushnews

For more information visit www.idontflush.ca, Facebook, Twitter (#idontflush2019) 

SOURCE Ontario Clean Water Agency

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