It’s a TOILET, not a garbage disposal!
Christine the Curmudgeon saw this story on Twitter, via WCSH, Portland, Maine. Link to article.
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine officials say wastewater treatment plants around the state are experiencing problems because residents continue flushing baby wipes and similar items down their toilets.
Andrew Fisk of the Department of Environmental Protection says baby wipes sometimes form into long ropes that can wrap around pumps and other equipment. As a result, he says municipalities are spending millions of dollars for maintenance and replacement parts for burned-out pumps.
Rep. Bernard Ayotte, a member of the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee, is urging Mainers to refrain from putting wipes into the wastewater system.
So the state of Maine is shelling out millions because many of their residents are basically stupid. baby wipes are NOT the same as toilet paper, they are much thicker and do not break down as quickly as regular TP does. Toilet paper is designed to be flushed and break down quickly in the sewer/septic systems.
People might be grossed out over putting something used to clean a baby’s stinky bum in the garbage rather than the toilet. But most parents use disposable diapers, what do they do with the used ones? Perhaps some people are really, really dumb, and try it. But perhaps just once. Once your toilet clogs up and overflows, and you have to not only clean up the mess, but pay money for a plumber, hopefully you will be more careful next time.
So, it would stand to reason that baby wipes be disposed of in the same way as used diapers. Most parents keep a special diaper pail by the changing table, something that keeps the stink in until it’s time to empty the trash. Why can’t they throw the used wipes in that, as well?
What other things do people flush down the toilet, that should not be flushed? Paper towels, humidifier filters, sanitary napkins? As for the sanitary napkins, I know some people do that, because I often see signs in ladies rooms telling people not to.
Teh stoopid…it hurtz!
