What Not to Flush or Pour Down the Drain

Many household items, including tampons, condoms, diapers, dental floss, cotton swabs and rags should not be flushed down the toilet. Even wipes labelled ‘flushable’ or ‘biodegradable’ should not be flushed down the toilet because they don’t dissolve and can clog pipes. Fat, oil and grease can also block home plumbing and pollute our waterways when they are poured down the sink or toilet. Help prevent blockages to your plumbing and City sewers and harm to our environment. 

How can I properly dispose of fat, oil and grease?

Never pour fat, oil or grease down sink drains or into toilets because it can cause sewer backups in your home and neighbourhood. Instead, allow them to harden or saturate with a paper towel and place them in the Green Bin.

What can I do to prevent food scraps and solids from going down the drain?

You can put a basket or strainer into your sink drain to catch food scraps and other solids, then empty the drain basket or strainer into the Green Bin for disposal. Find more information on the City’s What Not to Flush or Pour Down the Drain webpage.

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