Sewer dont's

What not to put down the sewer

Sewers are not waste disposal units. They are designed to carry water, liquid and solid bodily waste and toilet paper but increasing amounts of litter are being flushed down the toilet.

Individually items like condoms, sanitary products and their packaging and cotton buds may not cause a problem, but if there is already a partial blockage in the sewer they will make the problem worse. And if you try to flush away things like disposable nappies or tights then you are simply asking for trouble.

So, think before you flush and bag it and bin it. If it doesn't need to go down the sewer put it in a bag and put it in your bin.

Sewers are also not the place for:

• unwanted oil and grease - they may be liquid in a warm kitchen but they quickly solidify and cause blockages when they enter a cold sewer.
• medical supplies - colostomy bags, bandages, incontinence pads, syringes, medicines.
• chemicals - other than those designed for use in kitchens and drains.

Instead you should:

• wait until cooking fat solidifies and then put it into a container and place in the bin.
• pour cooking and engine oil into a strong container before disposal.
• keep a separate bin for bathroom waste such as cotton buds, cotton wool and packaging from sanitary and other bathroom products.