Only bodily wastes, and single-ply toilet paper should go into the toilet and then into the sewer system. Soap residue from dishwashers, kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs and washing machines can also go into the sewer system.

Things that should NEVER be put into the sewer system include:

• “Flushable” Wipes – these are not actually flushable
• Dryer sheets
• Paper Towels
• Cooking oils, cooking fat, cooking grease
• Food and food waste, including:
  • Egg shells
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Lemon Peels
  • Vegetable Trimmings
  • Meat Scraps
  • Leftovers
• Cigarettes
• Cotton swabs and cotton balls
• Diapers
• Feminine hygiene products of any sort (including sanitary napkins and tampons)
• Hair, human or pet
• Vitamins or medicines
  • Expired or unused prescription drugs can be disposed of at the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, 2501 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA, (530) 581-6301
    • http://www.ttfwdd.com/rx-drug-abuse-prevention.php
• “Disposable” toilet wipes and bowl brush heads
• Condoms
• Dental floss
• Insects
• Kitty litter
• Dirt, rocks, pebbles, or sand
• Oils
• Flammable or toxic liquids/substances
• Acidic substances or liquids
• Paint
• Clothing materials
• Any other solid which may impede flow in the sewer lines.

Did you know?

• Many items are falsely advertised as “flushable”. Remember, toilets are made for toilet paper and human waste ONLY.
• Dental floss is not biodegradable and can quickly lead to clogs as it can easily snag on rough pipes.
• Dryer sheets are commonly flushed down the toilet, but they belong in the trash. Not only are dryer sheets full of toxic chemicals, but they can quickly lead to clogs. Better to not use them, but if you do use them, don’t flush them!
• If you flush a cigarette down a toilet, it never breaks down.
• Two-thirds of all sewer backups occur in the homeowner’s (your) sewer line rather than the District’s sewer mains. Sewer backups are frequently caused by things that were flushed down the homeowner’s (your) toilets or ground up in the garbage disposal.
• By watching what you put down the toilet, you’ll save money, time and help the environment! Flushing the wrong thing down the toilet damages your household plumbing, the environment and the sewer treatment system.