Wipes, Paper Towels, Tissue, and Napkins

Wipes, paper towels, facial tissue, and napkins are designed to absorb moisture and stay intact when wet, which makes them tough enough to clean with, but too tough to flush. Even those labeled “flushable”, they are too thick and do not disintegrate easily. No Wipes in the Pipes!

While toilet paper breaks down in anywhere from a minute to four minutes, wipes can take up to eight days to dissolve. When these items are flushed, they accumulate and block pipes and pumps.

Cleaning Products

While it’s okay for small amounts of household chemicals to go down the drain – no more than about a cup – large amounts of chemicals should never be disposed of in your drain! Treatment plants are not designed to extract chemicals found in bleach, disinfectants, and other household cleaners. These products can pose a threat to water quality and the environment.

You can bring leftover cleaners to any of our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events. The chemicals will be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner and the containers recycled. Many of the products are made available to residents at no cost.

Grease, Oils, Fats

Grease may go in as a liquid, but as it cools it becomes a pipe-clogging wax. Pour leftover grease in a can then toss in the trash. Request a FREE Can it…Don’t Drain It kit, by emailing Don’t Stop the Flow. Learn more at Cease the Grease.

Medication

Treatment plants are not designed to remove chemicals found in drugs. These dangerous chemicals get pumped into lakes and creeks, contaminating water supplies, and wildlife downstream. Round Rock Police hosts Drug Take-Back Days in the Spring and Fall, check the City’s events page for details. How to Dispose of Medication; Disposal Safety Guide;

Paint, Pesticides, and Fertilizers

Leftover paint, pesticides, paint remover, and other household products contain chemicals that are hazardous to people, animals, plants, and fish, and should never be poured down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or put out with the trash.

You can bring these products to any of our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events. Many of the products are made available to residents at no cost and the rest are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner and the containers recycled.

Feminine Hygiene

Feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, are designed to absorb liquids instead of breaking down like toilet paper. They are made of fibers that absorb moisture and expand, which prevents safe passage through your pipes. Flushing these products can easily result in a clogged sewer line.