The Unflushables is a loveable-looking team of personified inanimate objects created by Metro Vancouver to educate residents on what cannot be flushed down the toilet, so as not to clog major sewer pipes.
Condoms, tampons, paper towels, baby wipes and dental floss are among common “unflushables,” but now the City of Mission may have a new teammate for them — sweatpants.
Mission issued a statement Jan. 10 to remind people that sweatpants cannot be flushed down the toilet.
“Over the holidays, Public Works crews discovered that a pair of sweatpants had caused a major clog in one of the city’s sewers. To end up here, the clothing would likely have been flushed down the toilet,” stated the city in a tweet.
A public works crew is said to have been able to clean and repair the mess caused by the sweatpants.
“Our collection system, pipes, and wastewater treatment plant run best when processing what they are intended for,” said utilities operations manager Colin McLean.
“This is a friendly reminder to stay sewer savvy for the good of our system. This will ensure everyone in the community continues to receive optimal sewer service at all times.”
Even so-called “flushable” products, such as baby wipes, can clog the city’s sewer system and wastewater treatment plant, causing damage, said the city.
Mission falls outside the Metro Vancouver regional district, which estimates metro municipalities spend $2.5 million annually to de-clog pump stations and replace damaged equipment.
The only things that should go down a toilet is poo, pee and toilet paper; nothing else, officials say.
Food is also problematic as fats (oils) collect over time, causing so-called “fatbergs,” which accumulate with unflushables, wreaking havoc on sewers.
