Don't Go Down the Drain!
It is nearly impossible to live a life without waste. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans toss out almost 4.5 pounds of garbage every day. As trash piles up, people tend to lean toward alternate ways to reduce landfills and their overflowing garbage cans. For some, this may mean recycling and reuse, creating compost piles and trying to limit purchasing items that contain excess packaging. These ideas are all excellent ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. However, there is one option that harms, rather than helps our environment and potentially our health: pouring or flushinfg waste down the drain.
According to a research article found at Budget Home Services, in 2002, “The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study to analyze chemical concentrations in streams in 30 states. According to Care2, 80 percent of the bodies of water that were tested contained harmful chemicals.”
So, what exactly are these pollutants that, if flushed or dumped down the drain, negatively impact our environment, wildlife and our health?
Medication
One of the most pervasive contaminants of our water system is medicine. According to No Drugs Down the Drain, wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove man-made chemicals from the water supply. Not only are they shown to have a negative effect on fish, long term studies of how these chemicals in drinking water can negatively affect humans is yet to be determined.
Some of the specific medications that have been found in streams and rivers are: antidepressants, contraceptives, steroids and veterinary medicines.
Instead of flushing medication down the drain, dispose of medication through a pharmacy take back program, or sealing them in a plastic bag with kitty litter or coffee grounds before throwing them in the trash.
Oil and Grease
Oil is not water soluble. According to Budget Home Services, “Almost 50 percent of sanitary sewer overflows in the U.S. are caused by fat, oil and grease being poured down drains. Business Insider reports that this practice can create fatbergs, solid lumps of congealed fat, which can block sewers completely.”
Examples of fats and oils that should not go down the drain include: salad dressing, cooking oil, grease drained from bacon, mayonnaise, shortening and lard and motor oil.
Contact your local waste disposal facility to determine the best way to dispose of fats.
Paint:
Latex and oil paints do not belong down the drain. The best way to dispose of paint is to use it all. However, if this is not an option, allow the remnants of your paint to full dry. Many hardware stores also sell agents that can be added to paint that will harden the excess paint in minutes.
Disposal methods vary by state: some states require you to throw out dried paint at hazardous waste sites, while others will allow you to dispose of paint in the trash. Check your state’s sanitation department to see where your state stands.
Personal Care Products
In 2015, the Us National Library of Medicine published a study that found that individuals dump approximately 33 liters of products into the sewage system every year. According to One Green Planet, some of the most toxic chemicals in cleansers and beauty products are parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate and phthalates.
Consider purchasing personal care products without these ingredients, and when possible, use natural alternatives instead.
Flammable Substances and Solvents
Flammable liquids can emit dangerous gases that can ignite. They are often corrosive and can damage your pipes and plumbing. Examples of flammable liquids include: lighter fluid, kerosene, gasoline and nail polish remover. Contact a local hazardous waste center to see how your state best recommend you dispose of these products.
Miscellaneous Clog Inducting Material
Many other materials can wreak havoc on your drains, potentially causing waste to back up in your home. These include: eggshells, coffee grounds, dental floss, produce stickers, cotton balls, and paper towels.
As always, use common sense when flushing or placing anything down your drains. Most liquids safe for human consumption, except for oils and medications, can be poured down the drain. As always, check with your state and see what exceptions exist near you!