What Not to Throw Down the Drain
At first glance, it might seem harmless to pour leftover cooking oil down the kitchen sink or flush a wipe down the toilet. But these everyday actions can cause clogs, blockages, sewer backups, and even contamination of local water supplies.
1. Cooking Oil, Grease, and Fats
Why it’s a problem:
When you pour grease, oil, or fat (often from bacon, frying pans, or butter) down the drain, it may be liquid at first. But as it cools, it solidifies. This buildup creates "fatbergs" in your pipes—massive clogs made of congealed grease and debris that can block entire sewer lines.
What to do instead:
- Pour leftover oil into a sealable container or can and throw it in the trash.
- Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before washing them.
- Recycle used oil at a local waste facility if available.
2. Coffee Grounds
Why it’s a problem:
Coffee grounds don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they clump together and stick to pipe walls, creating stubborn blockages over time.
What to do instead:
- Throw them in the trash.
- Better yet, add them to a compost bin—they’re great for gardening!
3. Eggshells
Why it’s a problem:
Though small, eggshells can cause big problems. When ground up in a garbage disposal, the sharp bits mix with grease and soap, increasing the risk of blockages.
What to do instead:
- Compost them to enrich your garden soil.
- Dispose of them in your kitchen trash.
4. Pasta, Rice, and Bread
Why it’s a problem:
These foods expand in water, even after cooking. When thrown in the drain, they can swell, absorb water, and form a sticky paste that clogs pipes.
What to do instead:
- Scrape leftovers into the trash or compost bin.
- Use a sink strainer to catch small bits while washing dishes.
5. Flour
Why it’s a problem:
Flour and water form a glue-like paste, which coats pipe interiors and traps other debris.
What to do instead:
- Sweep or wipe flour from surfaces and dispose of it in the trash before rinsing.
6. Medication and Pharmaceuticals
Why it’s a problem:
Flushing pills or pouring liquid medications down the drain can lead to chemical contamination of water sources, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.
What to do instead:
- Use a local drug take-back program or pharmacy disposal service.
- Many cities offer safe disposal days for medications.
7. Paint, Solvents, and Household Chemicals
Why it’s a problem:
These contain toxic chemicals that can corrode pipes, pollute groundwater, and harm municipal water systems.
What to do instead:
- Dispose of them at a hazardous waste collection center.
- Never wash brushes or trays into a sink if they contain oil-based paints or varnishes.
8. Flushable Wipes and Paper Towels
Why it’s a problem:
Despite what labels say, "flushable" wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They can cause major blockages and damage sewage systems. Paper towels, cotton balls, and even facial tissues also don’t disintegrate quickly.
What to do instead:
- Toss wipes and other hygiene products in the trash.
- Stick to toilet paper in the toilet—nothing else.
9. Cat Litter
Why it’s a problem:
Even if it says it’s flushable, cat litter can expand in water and clog pipes. It may also contain parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, which can be dangerous if it enters water systems.
What to do instead:
- Bag and toss litter in the trash.
- Use eco-friendly litter that’s safe for landfills.
10. Hair
Why it’s a problem:
Hair tangles easily and binds with soap, grease, and other debris to form dense clumps that block pipes, especially in bathroom sinks and showers.
What to do instead:
- Use drain screens to catch hair.
- Clean your drains regularly with a safe, natural solution (like baking soda and vinegar).
11. Produce Stickers
Why it’s a problem:
Tiny but tough, produce stickers don’t dissolve and can stick to pipes or pass through treatment plants, ending up in waterways and harming wildlife.
What to do instead:
- Remove all stickers before rinsing fruits and vegetables.
- Always throw them in the trash.
12. Paint Thinner, Nail Polish Remover, and Motor Oil
Why it’s a problem:
These are highly toxic and flammable substances that pose a danger to plumbing, water treatment facilities, and the environment.
What to do instead:
- Contact your local hazardous waste center for disposal instructions.
- Store properly until disposal day.