Resources

Resources explaining the flushability issue are listed below, including reports, legislation information, and news articles.

Reports & Studies

IWSFG Verifies wipes made with Veocel fibres.

“Inappropriate disposal of ‘flushable’ consumer products – reasons for concern,” Water Science & Technology, February 26, 2020.

Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use, Ryerson University, March 31, 2019 – This report presents flushability test results for over 100 consumer products.

Nonwoven Fabric Product Analysis Summary Report, Community Engaged Learning Project at Western University, April 2, 2019 – Analyzes the packaging of 25 wipe products and the level of compliance with the INDA 2nd Edition Code of Practice: Communicating Appropriate Disposable Pathways for Nonwoven Wipes to Protect Wastewater Systems.

Legislation

Washington State bill, Concerning the labeling of disposable wipes products – Legislation introduced in 2020 to provide detailed instructions on how non-flushable wipes should be labeled as “Do Not Flush.” The bill passed both legislative bodies and was signed into law on 1 July 2022.

California AB 1672 – Legislation proposed in 2019 and continuing into 2020 to establish a labeling standard for non-flushable wipes.

Minnesota HF 3181/SF 3139 – Legislation introduced in 2020 to establish flushbility standards for flushable wipes and specify “Do Not Flush” labeling for non-flushable wipes.

District of Columbia Nonwoven Disposable Products Act of 2016 – Legislation passed in 2016 to require flushability and labeling standards for flushable and non-flushable wipes.

District of Columbia proposed regulations for implementing the Nonwoven Disposable Products Act of 2016. IWSFG member National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) submitted comments on this proposal.

Educational Materials

Video comparison of product disintegration under the IWSFG and INDA/EDANA GD4 Slosh box parameters

Infographic by the City of London about the communities knowledge of what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet.

Poster notice of what to flush and what shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet.

Poster explaining the issue with improperly flushed consumer products.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) offers “Toilets Are Not Trashcans” toilet stickers and digital logos for educational purposes.

News Articles

Media has provided extensive attention to the problems associated with wipes and other products that are inappropriately flushed. The list below provides a sample of this media attention, but is not an exhaustive list.

Canada

Eco-groups fight to wipe out wipe clogs with study that disproves flushability, Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine, May 4, 2019.

30 Mar Ocean Heroes: Barry Orr, International Water Services Flushability Group, No Plastic Please.life, March 30, 2019.