10 Items You Should Never Send Down The Drain

Many companies need to turn to liquid waste disposal to properly get rid of the liquid waste they produce during their operations. Some liquid waste disposal solutions will turn liquid waste into solid waste, so it will not end up polluting water sources.

If you also want to reduce your environmental impact at home, you can do your part by never sending these 10 things down the drain.

1. Toxic chemicals

 

You should never put toxic chemicals such as paint, solvents, and pesticides down the drain. You don’t want these dangerous products to end up in our rivers and our lakes, so dispose of them properly by bringing them to a drop-off area in your city.

2. Car fluids

You should also be sure to keep motor oil, anti-freeze and other car related fluids away from storm drains. Many of these products can also be brought to a drop-off area where they will be disposed of as safely as possible.

3. Cleaning products

Cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, such as phosphates and chlorine. Avoid sending these down the drain, and try to use eco-friendly cleaning products instead.

4. Grease

Cooking grease doesn’t belong in the drain either. If you need to dispose of the melted fat from bacon, or any type of meat, throw it in the garbage. Grease can clog up pipes when it solidifies, and it can also be harmful to the environment.

5. Fats and oils

The same can be said of fats and oils. Never send gravy, meat trimmings, uncooked poultry skin, dairy products, olive oil, salad dressings and other condiments down the drain. It’s a better idea to throw them in your garbage can.

6. Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds, just like grease, fat and oil, can clog up your pipes. Instead of sending them down the drain, throw them in the garbage or in a compost bin, or find a simple way to reuse these coffee grounds.

7. Eggshells

Eggshells will also end up clogging up your pipes if you let them go down the drain. Instead of throwing them away, you could reuse them by sprinkling eggshell bits in your garden to nourish your vegetables and keep snails away from them.

8. Paper towels

Even though paper towels are biodegradable, you should never flush them down the toilet because they can clog up pipes. Place them in a compost bin instead, and use that compost in your garden.

9. Flushable wipes

Even flushable wipes should not be flushed. They can combine with other products to clog up drains, or they will cause different issues if they make it to the water treatment plan. If you use flushable wipes, dispose of them in a garbage can.

10. Expired medications

Finally, if you want to get rid of expired medications, don’t send them down the drain. Whether they are in pill or liquid form, they contain chemicals that can pollute and contaminate our water supplies.

Kai is an Associate Writer at Boldface News. He's currently a grad student at the University of Alberta.
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