Acting Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director, Matthew W. Garbark, today reminded citizens not to flush items down the toilet that do not belong there. "I realize that we are especially concerned about disinfection and proper disposal of used facial tissues. That is admirable. But disinfectant wipes, tissues, paper towels and 'flushable wipes' DO NOT belong in the toilet.”

Never use so-called flushable wipes because they may be flushable but they do no dissolve like toilet tissue. They are items which have helped to form fatbergs which have caused major, expensive, sewer backups in Baltimore and throughout the world.

Please dispose of cleaning items, wipes, paper towels, rags, etc. in a trash container.  Using a plastic bag liner and occasional disinfectant spray is also helpful.

In addition, please continue to keep FOG – Fats, Oils, and Grease out of your drains. Let these items cool, and dispose of them in the trash with paper towels.  You may also place grease and used oils in an old metal can with a lid.

By taking these steps, we can prevent sewer blockages, overflows, and expensive plumbing bills for you.