Norfolk County is launching a new public education campaign to protect the region’s wastewater system—and it starts with what residents flush down the toilet.
The “Three P’s” campaign, which officially rolled out this month, reminds residents that only Pee, Poop, and (Toilet) Paper belong in the toilet. Everything else—wipes, paper towel, feminine hygiene products, and other bathroom waste—should go in the garbage.
Even items labeled “flushable” can cause major plumbing issues.
“People think flushable wipes are safe, but they don’t break down properly,” said a Norfolk County spokesperson. “They cause clogs in household plumbing and bigger issues in municipal sewer systems.”
The County is warning that improper flushing can result in:
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Costly home plumbing repairs
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Sewer backups into homes and streets
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Damage to wastewater treatment equipment
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Increased maintenance costs passed on to taxpayers
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Environmental harm in local waterways
The campaign also highlights other items that should never be flushed or poured down the drain:
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Fats, oils, and grease: These should be cooled, placed in a sealed container, and put in the garbage.
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Medications and sharps: Return them to a local pharmacy for safe disposal.
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Personal hygiene products: All items like wipes, cotton swabs, and menstrual products belong in the trash.
The campaign features educational resources online, posters in public washrooms, and informational materials at local events. Some messaging also features the mascot “Captain Clean,” helping make the message fun and memorable for families and kids.
Residents are encouraged to adopt better bathroom habits, spread the message, and help Norfolk County save money while protecting the environment.
For more tips on what not to flush and how to dispose of waste safely, visit Norfolk County’s website or follow them on social media.
You can view the video made for this campaign below: