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In a report based on testing of 101 single-use wipes, 23 of which were labeled as 'flushable', not a single wipe successfully dispersed or fell apart in the sewer system test.
Testing was performed by the Ryerson's Flushability Lab.
Products which fail the test can clog or degrade household pipes and city sewer systems.
"This research confirms conclusively what those of us in the industry already knew. That single-use wipes, including cleansing and diaper wipes, cannot be safely flushed, even those labelled as 'flushable,'" said report lead Barry Orr, masters student in Environmental Applied Science and Management, and a 25-year veteran Sewer Outreach and Control Inspector with the City of London in Ontario, Canada.
Testing on each wipe was performed by simulating a typical residence's plumbing from toilet to sewer including typical bends and slope, water pressure, and urban infrastructure.
the Municipal Enforcement Sewer Use Group has estimated that $250 million is spent annually across Canada for operations and maintenance related to the removal of blockages from equipment, due to the flushing of wipes and other non-flushable materials. Many of these wipes also contain synthetic fibres, including plastics, which can make their way into waterways, harming water systems and wildlife.
Orr called for a standard legislated industry-wide definition for the term 'flushable' so that consumers could be informed and make appropriate decisions for their health and to avoid various harms being caused by the term's misleading use today.
(Score: 2) by Hyperturtle on Thursday April 11 2019, @02:17PM
Are you serious?
Tissues never have been flushable, never. If they were, they'd tear apart on your bristly face. They're like softer paper towels, which also are not flushable.
The closest might be generic cheapo stuff parents buy for the kids to bring to school (if it's not a contest to show off income) or a brand called "Scott's" tissues--which no one wants to use because they are not soft--but they're only close to flushable because they are single ply and do "less harm".
Scotts toliet paper, however is The Best to use in toliets and septic systems. (But if you are part of the skeptic system, you won't believe me that tissues arent flushable anyway...)
(to be clear, while I would approve use of the Scott's toliet paper due to it being the least clog causing stuff one can flush, I am not allowed to buy Scott's anything... due to a revolt of the females I know refusing to have that product go anywhere near their delicate feminine parts. They enforce their rules in mysterious ways. But if you live in a man cave and break out the special toliet paper on occasion for guests, then by all means...)