News Release
Trash It, Don’t Splash It
Items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet are causing big problems for the City’s sewer system and can be costly for homeowners. So the City of Edmonton is launching a new campaign, asking Edmontonians to Trash it, don’t splash it.
“This new campaign will educate Edmontonians about unflushables,” says Sid Lodewyk, General Supervisor, Pumpwells, Drainage Services. “As society uses more convenient, disposable products, we at the City are dealing with sewer clogs caused by items that were never meant to be flushed into the sewer system.”
Drainage crews have discovered disposable wipes, paper towels, batteries, dental floss, condoms, feminine hygiene products, needles and rags in city sewers.
“These items are causing sewer backups by blocking pumps and sewer lines, causing expensive property damage,” says Lodewyk. “Each sanitary sewer pump station in Edmonton clogs up with grease and other debris an average of 20 times a year.”
An estimated $700,000 in staff time is spent each year on cleaning clogged pumps. If a pump is damaged and needs to be replaced, the cost can range from $10,000 to $120,000.
“The problem of unflushables is a growing concern in many cities,” adds Lodewyk. “The only items that should be flushed down the toilet are fecal matter, bodily fluids and toilet paper. Everything else, including some items that claim to be flushable on the packaging, should be placed in household garbage or taken to eco stations for proper disposal.”
The Trash it, don’t splash it campaign will initially include radio and TV ads as well as information on the City’s website.
Pinoy Edmonton News 