Pollution Prevention

The only things you should ever flush down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Even though some products claim to be flushable, they aren't. 



Never put the following items down the toilet or drain:


  • Cleaning products (products with words like toxic, corrosive, flammable, or ignitable mentioned on the label)
  • Automotive products (motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluids)
  • Garden supplies (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides)
  • Paints and solvents (latex and oil-based paints, thinners, strippers) 
  • Do not clean oil-based paintbrushes in the sink
  • Medical waste, expired or unwanted medications
  • Plastics or cardboard products
  • Wipes (baby wipes, facial wipes, "flushable" wipes) 
  • Sanitary pads, tampons, or tampon applicators
  • Hair, cotton balls, cotton swabs, tissues or contacts
Flushing plastic or cardboard products can clog the sewer system and your own bathroom facilities. It also increases maintenance costs at the WRRC which is reflected in the sewer use fees residents pay.
Do Not Flush

Unused Medications


Do not flush unused medications down the toilet. You can safely dispose of medications in the garbage, or take medications to an approved prescription drug take-back site or event. Unused medication is accepted 24 hours/7 days a week at the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center. A drop off container is located in the lobby at 770 Iowa Street.