Resource Page for: An Act protecting wastewater and sewerage systems through the labeling of non-flushable wipes

Resource Page for: An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes

Wipes Regulations can Save Ratepayers $, Keep Waters Clean

	Wipes clogged these sewage pumps in Springfield, MA Springfield Water & Sewer Dept.	Flushed wipes in a clog under Commonwealth Avenue in Boston  Credit: Boston Water & Sewer Commission, Adrianna Cillo

 Bills filed for the 2023-2024 Legislative Session that we are supporting:

• H. 805, An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H805  and 
• S. 480, An Act protecting wastewater and sewerage systems through the labeling of non-flushable wipes:  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S480

Download Fact Sheet

Issue:

Massachusetts sewers face roughly $10 million in annual avoidable costs for clogs, fouled pumps and resulting sanitary sewer overflows. As the popularity of various wipes increases and users flush them, these costs will increase. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of wipes increased greatly, causing dangerous clogs and public health issues for sewer systems and workers.

 Since the early 2000s, wipes have been aggressively marketed as a replacement for toilet paper, mops, cleaning brushes and rags. This multi-billion-dollar industry[1] has had disastrous impacts on local sewer systems.

Background: Since the early 2000s, wipes have been aggressively marketed as a replacement for toilet paper, mops, cleaning brushes and rags. This multi-billion-dollar industry[1] has had disastrous impacts on local sewer systems as clogs and fouled pumps increase.

Key Points:

This legislation targets only wipes and other products that are not flushable according to industry.

• Unlike toilet paper, wipes are not “dispersible” in normal sewer conditions
• There is lack of consistency in labeling, and some wipes product labels have no information about disposal at all. This creates consumer confusion about the proper disposal of these products.
• Wipes Contain Plastic: Nearly all baby wipes, household cleaning wipes and cosmetic wipes have a significant amount of plastic in them. Plastic fibers are engineered for strength, and these wipes don’t break down, they rope together and create massive clogs that catch other debris.
• Clogs and fouling from flushed wipes costs sewer operators in Massachusetts nearly $10 million annually.
• Wipes should be properly and clearly labeled.[3]

Action Requested:

• We respectfully ask that the Legislature pass these bills to classify wipes, using wipes-industry standards as “non-flushable.”
• We ask that those wipes that do not meet industry standards for dispersibility have prominent, mandatory “Do Not Flush” labelling, following NACWA labeling guidelines.

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These associations and organizations support these bills

ACEC/MA, American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts

MAWEA, Massachusetts Water Environment Association

MMMA, Massachusetts Municipal Association

WAC, Wastewater Advisory Committee to the MWRA

WSCAC, Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee to the MWRA

NEWEA, New England Water Environment Association

Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association

Resource and Articles:

Eldridge-Dykema bill seeks to flush away those clogged-up pipes: https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2021/03/19/eldridge-dykema-bill-seeks-get-non-flushable-wipes-out-sewer-systems/4755841001/ 

Additional Resources:

Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association https://www.yankeeonsite.org/