Issue Definition: Common household products that claim to be ‘flushable” are actually a hazard when introduced into the wastewater treatment system.

This hands-on learning experience gives students an eye-witness investigation of what happens to a common household product that is a major concern in the treatment of waste water. Students will test what impact a wipe, advertised as flushable, is having on the management of waste water and what flushable actually means. They are challenged to develop an action plan to educate others on this critical issue – one that is easily fixed through thoughtful changes in behavior.

Wet wipes are plastic- or cotton-based fabrics that contain soap and/or disinfectant and are used for sanitizing surfaces, wiping baby bottoms, etc. The plastic-based wipes, like plastic in general, do not break down quickly and can persist in the environment long after disposal. This is emerging as a major environmental issue because plastics, even though they appear to break down they never go away. They have been found in even the most  microscopic form in our waterways. In addition, disposal of them via the toilet can lead to clogs in the property, in the street, or at the treatment plant. Combined with disposed fat, wipes create fatbergs that clog pipes and treatment plants, and can be expensive and time-consuming to remove. Wipe use during COVID-19 increased and subsequently there were more issues with clogs in pipes.

For more information:

Fatberg Wikipedia

Philadelphia Water Department Microplastics