WARNING: Some may find the images in the video above disturbing.
EDMONTON – The City says it is spending about $700,000 a year cleaning clogged pipes, thanks to items that shouldn’t be flushed down toilets.
Edmonton drainage crews have found batteries, dental floss, needles, rags, disposable wipes, paper towels, condoms, and feminine hygiene products in city sewers.
“These items are causing sewer backups by blocking pumps and sewer lines, causing expensive property damage,” says Sid Lodewyk, a supervisor with the City’s Drainage Services. “Each sanitary sewer pump station in Edmonton clogs up with grease and other debris an average of 20 times a year.”
The cost to replace a pump can range from $10,000 to $120,000.
Cleaning a clogged pipe takes a three-person crew about a half a day of work.
“The guys actually climb down there and they’re shoveling the stuff,” said Lodewyk.
“So, that’s a really nasty job.”
So, the City has launched a new campaign called “Trash it, don’t splash it.”
“This new campaign will educate Edmontonians about unflushables,” said Lodewyk.
“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.”
Flushing certain items can clog or damage the City’s sewer system and can also be costly for homeowners.
“The problem of unflushables is a growing concern in many cities,” added 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 include radio and TV ads as well as information posted on the City’s website.
Trash it, don’t splash it:
Items like rags, wipes, diapers, feminine products (including tampons), hair and condoms should be placed in the household garbage.
Needles and products like paint thinner and batteries should be taken to one of the City’s Eco stations (these items can be disposed of free of charge). Needles should be kept in a sharps container (a plastic bottle with a screw top). Any leftover or unused medications should be taken to the local pharmacy for proper disposal.
Products like fats, oils and grease (FOGS) should be saved in a can and disposed of in the kitchen garbage with left over or expired food.
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