What types of waste or household items should or should not be disposed of in the sewer system?
What Can Go Down the Toilet?
To protect your plumbing, the environment, and our community sewer system, only flush the 3 Ps: Pee, Poop, and (Toilet) Paper — single-ply preferred.
If it’s not one of the 3 Ps, it should not be flushed. Water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and dishwashers can safely go down the drain as usual.
Did You Know?
Many products labeled “flushable” are not sewer-safe. Wipes, floss, and other materials do not break down like toilet paper and can cause serious clogs in household plumbing and sewer mains.
Dental floss is especially problematic. It doesn’t biodegrade and can wrap around pumps and snag inside pipes.
Cigarettes never break down in the sewer system.
Most sewer backups happen at home. About two-thirds of sewer backups occur in private sewer lines, not the District’s main lines. These backups are often caused by items flushed down toilets or put down garbage disposals.
Why It Matters
Flushing the wrong items can:
- Damage your household plumbing
- Cause messy and expensive sewer backups
- Harm the environment
- Impact the community sewer treatment system
When in doubt, throw it out.
Protect your home, your wallet, and our environment by only flushing the 3 Ps.
Never Flush These Items
The following items should always go in the trash, not the toilet or drains:
🚫 Wipes & Paper Products
- “Flushable” wipes (not actually flushable)
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Dryer sheets
- Disposable toilet brush heads
🚫 Grease, Food & Kitchen Waste
- Cooking oil, fat, or grease
- Egg shells
- Coffee grounds
- Lemon peels
- Vegetable trimmings
- Meat scraps
- Leftovers
Tip: Let grease cool, then dispose of it in the trash — never down the drain.
🚫 Personal Care Items
- Cotton swabs or cotton balls
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, etc.)
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Hair (human or pet)
🚫 Household Waste & Misc.
- Cigarettes
- Kitty litter
- Dirt, rocks, sand, or pebbles
- Clothing or fabric
- Insects
- Any solid object that could clog pipes
🚫 Hazardous or Liquid Waste
- Paint
- Oils or fuels
- Flammable or toxic liquids
- Acidic substances
- Medications or vitamins
Medication disposal:
Expired or unused prescription drugs can be safely disposed of at:
Placer County Sheriff’s Office
2501 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City
(530) 581-6301