City of Union Reminds Residents to Not Flush Household Garbage
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, September 8th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION – (information from the City of Union Newsletter) Of all the modern infrastructure that helps keep society running, it could be argued that a proper septic system is among the most essential. While the process of disposing of human waste is quite sophisticated nowadays, it is also far from infallible, especially when tampered with. Plastic in the pipes may not sound as catchy as a wrench in the gears, but the point is the same. As such, the City of Union would like to remind residents what should and should not be flushed down their toilets or drains.
As stated in the city’s latest newsletter, “The city’s treatment plant is designed to handle water, human waste, and toilet tissue, and that is all. Items other than this lead to blockages, equipment failure and costly repairs. Those costs are borne by you – the customer in sewer rates.”
Examples of what should not be flushed or drained include:
- “Cloth rags or towels.
- Baby wipes, toilet wipes, hygiene towelettes, disinfecting wipes, or cloth wipes of any kind. Even if they indicate they are ‘flushable’ they truly are not flushable.
- Paper. No kleenex or paper towels. Only toilet tissue.
- Medications or medical items.
- Feminine hygiene products of any kind.
- Beauty products such as face wipes, q-tips, dental floss, or old makeup
- Plastics of any kind.
- Grease of any kind – especially cooking grease.
- Garden supplies, pesticides, or fertilizers.
- Paint, varnish, or paint remover.
- Explosives of any kind, motor oil, gasoline.”
For those curious, the City of Union has confirmed that, as of now, no residents have actually attempted to flush explosives down their toilets, and that this was simply listed for caution’s sake.
