Yes, generally, toilet paper is meant to be flushed in Canada, as it is designed to break down in the country's wastewater systems.
Understanding Canada's Wastewater Systems
In Canada, public wastewater infrastructure is engineered to efficiently process specific types of waste. The fundamental rule across Canadian municipalities, including major cities like Calgary, is that only three things are truly safe to flush down a toilet: pee, poo, and toilet paper. Flushing anything else can lead to significant problems, impacting both individual homes and the broader municipal wastewater system.
What is Safe to Flush?
Understanding what should and should not go down your toilet is crucial for maintaining proper plumbing and protecting public infrastructure.
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Safe to Flush | * Pee (Urine): A natural liquid waste that is easily processed by water treatment plants. |
| * Poo (Feces): Organic waste that is designed to decompose and be treated within the wastewater system. | |
| * Toilet Paper: Specifically manufactured to dissolve quickly in water, preventing blockages in pipes and pumps. Unlike other paper products, it doesn't expand or remain intact when wet. | |
| Do Not Flush | "Flushable" Wipes: Despite their misleading label, these do not break down like toilet paper and are a primary cause of severe blockages (known as "fatbergs" when combined with grease) in sewer lines and pumping stations. Paper Towels & Tissues: These are designed for absorbency and strength, not to dissolve in water. * Cotton Swabs & Cotton Balls: They absorb water and expand, easily catching on pipe imperfections. |
| Dental Floss: Accumulates in pipes, forming nets that catch other debris. Hair: Similar to floss, hair clumps together and creates blockages. Feminine Hygiene Products: Tampons and pads are highly absorbent and expand, leading to significant clogs. Diapers: Designed to absorb large amounts of liquid and are far too bulky to pass through plumbing. |
|
| Medications: Can contaminate water sources, as wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out pharmaceutical chemicals. Grease, Oils, & Food Scraps: These solidify in pipes, creating stubborn blockages that are difficult to remove. * Kitty Litter: Contains clay and other materials that do not dissolve and can solidify in pipes. |
Why Proper Flushing Matters
Adhering to the "pee, poo, and toilet paper" rule is essential for several critical reasons. Improper disposal of non-flushable items can lead to:
- Sewer Back-ups: Blockages in your home's pipes or municipal sewer lines can cause sewage to back up into your toilets, sinks, and basement, leading to significant water damage and unsanitary conditions.
- Costly Repairs: Homeowners may face expensive plumbing repairs to clear their private lines, while municipalities incur substantial costs to clear blockages in public sewer mains and repair damaged wastewater equipment. These costs are often borne by taxpayers.
- System Overload: Items that don't break down can jam pumps and equipment at wastewater treatment plants, reducing their efficiency and potentially causing system failures.
- Environmental Impact: Certain non-flushables, particularly chemicals and medications, can pollute waterways if they are not adequately treated, harming aquatic ecosystems.
To protect your home and the community's wastewater system, always dispose of anything other than pee, poo, and toilet paper in the garbage. Scrape grease from pans into the trash, not down the sink drain, and utilize drain screens to catch hair and food particles.
