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Aug 19, 2023Collins introduces bill to require labels for non-flushable wet wipes - Ripon Advance
Apr 03, 2025Non-flushable wet wipes would be required to include ‘Do not flush’ labels under a bipartisan bill cosponsored on March 24 by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) that aims to protect wastewater systems.
“Many consumers who use wet wipes are unaware that flushing these products creates significant problems for plumbing, wastewater treatment equipment, and septic systems,” Sen. Collins said. “This bipartisan legislation would require manufacturers to label non-flushable wet wipes, providing consumers with the information they need to safely dispose of them, and helping prevent homeowners and taxpayers from having to pay for expensive repairs.”
The bipartisan Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act, S. 1092, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), would establish “Do not flush” labeling requirements for products such as baby wipes, household wipes, disinfecting wipes, and personal care wipes.
Many of these wipes are composed of manufactured plastic fibers or other strong fibers, and while these products are not marketed as flushable, consumers frequently flush them into sewer systems, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“When non-flushable wipes are sent through our sewage systems, they plug the pipes. The resulting backups of sewage are not a pretty picture,” said Sen. Merkley. “Accurately labelling wipes and other products as ‘non-flushable’ is a necessary step to ensure consumers appropriately dispose of their waste. Doing so will keep our water clean and our wastewater infrastructure safe and efficient.”
The bill has been endorsed by the American Public Works Association, American Rivers, the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, ISSA (the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the National Rural Water Association, the National Stewardship Action Council, the Coalition for Clean Water, and the Water Environment Federation.