Protect our pipes – and the environment
Keeping our wastewater network healthy starts at home. What we flush and pour down the drain has a big impact on our pipes, pump stations, and treatment plants – and ultimately on our environment. By following a few simple habits, you can help prevent blockages, reduce the likelihood of overflows and keep our waterways healthy.
Only flush the 3Ps
The wastewater system is designed to handle only three things:
- pee
- poo
- (toilet) paper.
Anything else should go in the bin, because they can cause blockages in your household pipes and the wider wastewater network.
What not to flush
Many everyday items don’t break down in water – even if the packaging says “flushable”. These can clog pipes, jam pumps, and contribute to overflows into the environment.
Never flush:
- wet wipes
- sanitary products
- nappies
- cotton buds and cotton pads
- dental floss
- rubbish of any kind.
If it’s not one of the 3Ps, put it in the bin.
Cooking with fats and oils? Dispose of them carefully
Fats, oils and grease might go down the sink as liquids, but as they cool they harden and stick to the inside of pipes. When these fats combine with things like wet wipes and other rubbish, it forms large, solid blockages known as ‘fatbergs’.
These blockages restrict the flow of wastewater and lead to wastewater overflows - either from your home plumbing or in the wider wastewater network. No one wants that. Fatbergs are difficult and expensive to remove - and they’re preventable.
The right way to dispose of fats and oils
Here’s how to safely dispose of things like cooking oil, meat fats, butter and margarine, gravy and pan drippings, creamy sauces and deep-fryer oil.
- Let fats and oils cool, then scrape them into the bin.
- Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.
- Pour used cooking oil into a sealed container and place it in the rubbish.
- Use sink strainers to catch food scraps.
Why protecting our pipes matters
When pipes become blocked, wastewater can overflow into streets, private property, and the environment. Overflows can:
- pollute rivers, streams, and beaches
- harm aquatic life
- create health risks for people and animals
- damage homes and infrastructure
- increase maintenance and repair costs for the community.
By looking after our pipes, we help keep the wastewater network flowing smoothly – and protect the environment we all cherish.
