GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Legislation that would require ‘do not flush’ labels to be more prominently displayed on non-flushable cleaning wipes “is a good first step’’ to curbing consumer waste entering municipal sewer systems.
“It clogs up our systems, it backs up our sewer pipes,’’ said Gary Seger, assistant superintendent of North Kent Sewer Authority north of Grand Rapids. “Having a warning label on these containers of wipes is a good first step.’’
A House bill introduced last week would require ‘do not flush’ labeling on non-flushable disposable wipes sold in Michigan.
Under the bill, products would have to sport a logo that depicts a person dropping an item into a toilet with a circle and a diagonal line superimposed over the image. The word 'non-flushable' would have to be in clear print.
Mike Lunn, environmental services manager for the City of Grand Rapids, says he supports the measure.
“We’ve pulled out bundles of these things that weigh hundreds of pounds,’’ Lunn said. “We get sewer backups because of it every year.’’
Household wipes, even though some are labeled flushable, can be problematic for municipal systems, maintenance workers say.
“They are not made to break down easily,’’ Seger said. “It does not break down as quickly as toilet paper.’’
Items designated non-flushable oftentimes make it into toilets because people don’t know any better, he said. Tiny lettering on the back of the product also doesn't help, Seger said.
Every year, tons of wipe products, including those labeled “non-flushable,’’ enter municipal systems, clogging sewer pumps and pipes.
The North Kent system, which serves five Kent County municipalities, including Plainfield Township, uses a massive filter at its largest lift station to intercept wipes before they reach the treatment plant on Coit Avenue NE.
“We have over 280 miles of pipe and 32 lift stations and all these wipes have to go through all that before it gets here,’’ he said. “This is all coming out before it gets to the plant.’’
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