Our community’s sewer system is essential for public health and environmental protection.
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Our community’s sewer system is essential for public health and environmental protection. It safely carries wastewater from our homes and businesses to the treatment plant, but it can only do its job if we all do ours.
Improper disposal habits can cause the following:
- Messy & Costly Backups: Sewage flooding homes, basements, and streets
- Equipment Damage: Breakdowns at pump stations and treatment facilities
- Higher Costs: More repairs = more taxpayer money
- Environmental Harm: Untreated wastewater can pollute local waterways
What NOT to Flush or Drain
Keep these items OUT of toilets and sinks, they belong in the trash.
1. Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)
Bacon grease, cooking oil, meat drippings, butter, etc.
These harden in pipes and form massive clogs called “fatbergs.”
Let them cool, then trash them. Wipe pans before washing.
2. “Flushable” Wipes (They’re NOT!)
Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, even “flushable” ones!
They don’t break down and wreak havoc on pipes and pumps.
Toss all wipes in the trash.
3. Paper Products (Other than Toilet Paper)
Paper towels, napkins, facial tissues, cotton balls/swabs
Too absorbent and durable for sewer systems.
Trash them.
4. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, applicators
They absorb and expand — major clog culprits.
Wrap feminine hygiene products and toss them in the trash.
5. Dental Floss & Hair
They tangle inside pipes, creating blockage nets.
Trash hair and dental floss.
6. Diapers & Cat Litter (Including “Flushable”)
Highly absorbent and bulky — instantly clogs up pipes.
Bag securely and trash diapers and cat litter, even the flushable kind.
7. Medications
Don’t flush drugs! They can harm aquatic life.
Use local drug take-back programs or follow safe disposal guidelines.
8. Hazardous Chemicals
Paint, solvents, motor oil, pesticides, harsh cleaners
These are toxic and damage treatment systems.
Utilize Gloucester County’s Household Special Waste collection to dispose of unwanted hazardous chemicals. [Learn More]
Remember the 3 P’s — Only Flush:
- Pee
- Poo
- (Toilet) Paper
📞 Questions or Issues?
Harrison Township Wastewater Treatment Department
Contact: (856) 478-4333
