What not to flush
What we put down the drain can affect our drinking water. We can all do our part to help keep our water systems clean by controlling what we put into our sewer system. This is referred to as “source control” which is a prevention technique that helps reduce contaminants.
Do not flush or pour down drains:
Bathroom items
- Diapers, disposable/wet wipes, rags, bandages
- Dental floss, cotton swabs, condoms, cosmetics
- Personal hygiene products (tampons, applicators, sanitary napkins, hair)
- Pills and medicine (return to a pharmacist for disposal)
Food waste
- Fats, grease and oils (deep fryer oil, vegetable oil, cooking oil)
- Lard, butter, salad dressing, marinade for meats
- Vegetables, meat, pasta, bread and other food waste items
Household items
- Cigarette butts
- Paper towels, napkins
- Small toys
Hazardous household waste
- Bleach and ammonia
- Cleaning solvents and spot removers
- Disinfectants
- Hot tub and swimming pool chemicals
- Oven cleaners
- Septic tank cleaners
- Latex, alkyd and/or oil-based paints
- Lacquers, stains and varnishes
- Paint thinners, strippers and solvents
- Petroleum-based products such as motor oil and gasoline
Is it flushable?
Fats, oils and grease (FOG)
At home, small amounts of cooking oils and grease should be disposed of by pouring into a container (metal can or paper cup) once the material is cool it can be added to your garbage. It can also be soaked up in used paper towels or newspaper and discarded.
Leftover grease and oil should be removed from pans before washing them. Save water and soap by using a paper napkin to wipe them clean.
Larger quantities of leftover household cooking oil and congealed fats or grease can be taken to the Glenmore Landfill in Kelowna. The grease collection program is a partnership with McLeod's By-Products in Armstrong, BC.
If you have large volumes of cooking oil, you can pour it into a receptacle for drop-off. If you have congealed grease, it's recommended you put it in a metal can or container and drop the whole metal container into the recycling receptacle provided. As a reminder, please do not place anything other than cooking oil and kitchen grease into the recycling containers provided, no petroleum oil such as motor oil, food items, plastic containers, or garbage.
