What Not to Flush

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Grit The wastewater collection system, made up of pump stations, sewer lines, and a treatment facility, was designed to treat and process human waste, toilet tissue, and gray water (drainage from showers, sinks and laundry). When other materials like fats, oils, and grease, sanitary items, and items advertised as “flushable” are sent down the drain serious problems may occur. Sewer backups in homes or sewage system overflows are results of improper disposal of materials.

Fats, Oils, and Grease

Most fat poured down the drain is in liquid form, but when it hits the cold pipes underground the grease hardens on the walls of the pipes as it moves through sewer lines. A popular myth is that running hot water down the drain will prevent this from occurring, but the ground surrounding the pipe keeps it cool, allowing the fat to cling to the walls of the pipe. Over a period of weeks or months the same fat will harden within the pipes, eventually causing the pipe to become completely blocked. Sometimes these blockages can cause sewage to back up into your home or your neighbor’s home causing health hazards to the inhabitants.

Proper Disposal

Fats, Oils, and Grease	Allow the fat to cool and solidify, then scrape it out and dispose of it in your trash bin.
Sanitary Products (liners and tampons)	Wrap item well and dispose of them in your trash bin. In public restrooms, please place items in the sanitary bins provided.
Medicine	Check with your local pharmacy or utilize the secure collection box in the lobby of the Yankton Police Department located at 410 Walnut Street.
Syringes/needles	Free sharps containers are available at all local pharmacies and the Yankton Transfer Station, and may be disposed of at Transfer Station at no charge. Please do not place in the garbage!
Home medical/bathroom waste (bandages, condoms, contact lens, razors, dental floss, etc…)	Wrap items and dispose of in your trash bin.
Diapers, baby wipes, “flushable wipes,” rags, and shop towels	Dispose of in your trash bin.
Paint, oil, chemicals, and Solvents	Oil can be disposed of at Transfer Station for no charge. Paint, household cleaners or hazardous chemicals can be properly disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste collection event.
Litter Box Filler	Dispose of in your trash bin.