Why Flushable Wipes Are Not Flushable

[trilobyte]

This is a great piece that explains why flushable wipes are anything but...

[media]

Check out the clip, it's only a couple minutes long, and kind of entertaining. If you think wipes are bad in a permanent city's public sewer system, they're much much worse in a temporary city's waste management system. For those who are new to Burning Man, or just haven't ever thought much about how the potties work, let me fill you in a bit. The company that provides and services the porta-potties sends trucks around to each porta-potty bank several times per day to clean and service the potties. To get what's inside the potty out, they use a high pressure suction hose that's about as big around as a ping-pong ball. Anything that doesn't break down and dissolve easily in the blue funky goo that's in the potty can wind up clogging that hose, which means the team has to stop and unclog it before they can continue. The more delays they have, the longer that each potty on that vehicle's route has to go between being cleaned and serviced.

You can bring and use wipes if you like, just make sure to take used wipes with you back to camp, and pack them out with the rest of your other trash.

[AntiM]

This includes tampons, even the applicator-less OB brand. Bring a baggie and pack out your used tampons. And never put them on the floor, that's just gross.

[Sham]

When the door in the porta-potty is closed, and no one can see your actions, that's when you must be the most responsible. Pack some sandwich baggies and carry them in your backpack. They weigh nothing and will help you save our city. It's so important that everyone within Black Rock City does their part.

[Eric]

This is what wet wipes did to a sewer in Australia.

The porto-potties CANNOT handle them, and if it becomes too difficult for United Services to clean them, they'll stop. No potties, no Burning Man. Simple as that.

[Dr. Pyro]

When the door in the porta-potty is closed, and no one can see your actions,

That's why I always piss with the door wide open.

[DoctorIknow]

That's why I always piss with the door wide open.

You too?

For me, It's so liberating to have that special time (the only time) I don't lock my bike!

[BBadger]

It even boggles my mind that people would even risk flushing those wipes at home. They don't break down for a very long time and can clog up your house's pipes -- leading to a very expensive plumbing bill.

[Sham]

That's why I always piss with the door wide open.

I never lock it, and count the times people say, "oh sorry" while I'm in there. After all, it's Burning Man, man.

[Various]

I always lock it. I don't want my artistic impulses interrupted in the middle of whatever dirty pictures I'm drawing in Sharpie on the wall.

[Just_Joe]

..... Pack some sandwich baggies and carry them in your backpack. They weigh nothing and will help you save our city. It's so important that everyone within Black Rock City does their part.[/size]

We like these lightweight, black dog poop bags. Tie 'em in a knot and toss in the garbage when we get back to camp.