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VIDEO. Public Service Announcement from Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM).
SAM Director, Rick Lohman, speaks to the “flushable wipes” problem.
They are flushable, BUT THEY ARE NOT DISSOLVABLE.
It costs SAM a lot of labor hours fixing machine parts that are built for dissolvable Toilet Paper.
Read below about AB 1672 which will redefine the marketing of “Flushable” Wipes.
Charmin Commercial
“If you want to be really clean use our flushable wipes.”
They are flushable, BUT THEY ARE NOT DISSOLVABLE.
SAM Board asks that we do not buy these. If you do, please treat them like a diaper.
AB 1672 Will Redefine the Marketing of “Flushable” Wipes
VIDEO. Heidi Sanborne of the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) asks the Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) Board to fund ($1,000) NSAC advocacy of “circular economy” in Sacramento.
In particular, sewer authorities statewide are battling “flushable” wipes. Specifically, AB 1672 (2020 legislation) addresses Wet Wipe Labelling. Flushable wipes do NOT disintegrate like toilet paper does. Kimberly-Clark does not want this bill to pass. California represents 13% of the wipes industry; if this bill passes, it will set an example for the nation. KC does not want wipes reclassified as single use plastic.
Please do NOT flush wipes. They are not made only of paper, but often micro plastics as well.
It is a huge labor cost to SAM in the thousands of labor hours and a strain on the equipment.
Circular Economy.
- Design out waste and pollution.
- Keep products and materials in use.
- Regenerate natural systems.
NSAC PowerPoint Presentation and Video
California Association of Sanitation Agencies:
Lots of videos and links ~ ground zero for nixing wipes. Spread the word.
Overview
Single-use wet wipes have gained popularity in recent years. Many of these products are marketed as flushable, but often times are not compatible with sewer systems and infrastructure. Other products are not intended to be flushed but end up being improperly disposed of in the toilet. Flushing these products presents an increasing problem for property owners, sewer systems, and ratepayers, since wipes often do not break down after being flushed. Wipes can catch on tree roots and accumulate with fats, oils and grease and become large obstructions in the pipes. Further down the line, they weave together and create giant rags which get stuck in pumps, collection systems, and motors, causing backups and equipment failures. This problem is experienced across the state, country, and worldwide as disposable wet wipe products become more widely available.
Please DON’T FLUSH “Flushable” Wipes Down the Toilet
VIDEO. Trash, don’t flush. Just because the label says “flushable” on the wipes container, does NOT mean you should flush them. We are trapped by bad marketing and a powerful wipes lobby.
Wipes and rags are a huge problem for Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM). Ultimately, the costs will be passed on to SAM customers.
If you have a baby in your life, have a no-flush conversation with their parent, or caregiver.
Sewer System Education From Coon Rapids Minnesota
Flushable Wipes Aren’t Really Flushable
While companies would have you believe those flushable wipes sold on store shelves are flushable, in reality, these wipes are harmful to City sewer systems. All wipes should be thrown in the trash, not flushed down the toilet. The only thing that should be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper. Feminine products, wipes, diapers, pills, grease or any other item should not be flushed down the toilet.
Read the handout below to learn more and watch the video to see how flushable wipes fail to break down in sewer systems.
Watch This Video to Learn More
Watch remotely. Comments and questions by email.
Agendas
PCTV Meeting Videos
Contact Us
1000 Cabrillo Hwy N.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-7833 (fax)
Regular Board Meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 7:00pm.
From time to time a meeting date may be changed, cancelled or relocated. Check the posted agenda for any changes to the normal schedule (click on links below).
The Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) provides wastewater treatment services and contract collection maintenance services for a population of approximately 27,000 in the following areas:
- City of Half Moon Bay
- El Granada
- Miramar
- Montara
- Moss Beach
- Princeton by the Sea
Sewer Emergency
In the event of a sewer emergency, such as sewage leak or smell, call the Authority, 24-hours a day, at:
(650) 726-0124.
Follow the instructions given by the voice mail system.
An Authority representative will contact you promptly.
1000 Cabrillo Hwy. N., Half Moon Bay, 94019
7:00am to 4:00pm.
Can be reached 24 hours 650-726-7833
SAM Directors
Chair, Representing City of Half Moon Bay
Vice Chair, Representing Montara Water & Sanitary District
Secretary/Treasurer, Representing Granada Community Services District
Director, Representing City of Half Moon Bay
Director, Representing Montara Water and Sanitary District
Director, Representing Granada Community Services District
Other Links
-
Wastewater and Microgrids for the Coastside? No More Inter-Tie or Outfall!?
- Video. SAM Employees Give BIG Thanks to General Manager Beverli Marshall for Her Four Years of Service.
- Video. What is ElectroScan & How Can it Help Sewer Authority Mid-Coast (SAM)?
- PODCAST. Managing sewage is the most important job on the planet ~Freakonomics: In Praise of Maintenance.
- Video. SAM Reports Zero Sewer Spills on the Coastside in 2018
- Video. SAM Meeting 4/22 ~ Partners with PG&E to Reduce its Carbon Footprint
Powerpoint of SAM Tour, courtesy of Tim Costello, SAM:
Author: Coastside Buzz
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