Be Clever Never Ever

Our Be Clever - Never Ever campaign highlights the importance of keeping non-biodegradable items out of sewerage systems and helping to contribute to a cleaner environment.

Hand in toilet

Our maintenance crews have been called to clear blockages in several residential areas after reports of sewage flowing from manholes.

In one recent incident, a large ball of wipes was removed from a sewer main in a residential street following an after-hours call.

We are observing an increasing number of products such as wet wipes, baby wipes and antibacterial wipes getting clogged in pipes and on the screens at sewage treatment plants.

Non-biodegradable personal hygiene products should never be flushed down your toilet as they can damage your home’s plumbing and block sewer pipes.

A costly problem

Across Australia, it’s costing the community millions of dollars every year to deal with the issues these products cause, not to mention the potential for long-term impacts on the environment.

The money we spend clearing blockages from our sewerage network and dealing with the problem is ultimately passed onto our customers through their bills.

Your toilet and sink are NOT rubbish bins

WET WIPES:

Wet wipes packet

Most wet wipes don’t break down or disintegrate like toilet paper.

If you flush them, you could damage your home’s plumbing and block pipes, creating messy and expensive overflows of raw sewage inside or outside your house.

We suggest you place a bin in your bathroom and toilet to dispose of personal hygiene products such as wipes, sanitary napkins, tampons, cotton buds, adhesive bandages and shaving blades, all which should never be flushed.

BATHROOM WASTE:

Band Aid

Nappies, sanitary napkins, tampons, cotton buds, adhesive bandages, condoms, incontinence pads and shaving blades should be wrapped if neceesary and placed in the bin.

Placing a bin in your bathroom is a good reminder to bin all your rubbish.
Expired and unused medicines can be taken to your local pharmacist for safe disposal.

KITCHEN PRODUCTS

Apple Peel

Oil and fat can block drains and pipes - just like a clogged artery.

Use a paper towel to wipe pans after cooking and dispose of in the bin or, once cooled, pour fats and oils onto your compost heap.

Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and tea leaves can be composted. 

WORKSHOP WASTE

Tin of paint

Pesticides, unused paint, motor oil, grease, lubricants, fuels and thinners are hazardous.

They should only be disposed of through an authorised disposal company or drop-off facility.

Contact your local council for more details.