Keep Ohio Waters Clean

You  can help keep Ohio's waters clean.

Do not flush medicines (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, patches) or personal care products (PCP's) down the drain or toilet.


Department of Justice National Take-Back Initiative
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

Visit EPA's Water: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products web page
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/ppcp/

US FDA – recommends flushing certain unused medicines
http://www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

Top Ten Things Not to Flush

The Ohio Water Environment Association surveyed Ohio's water quality professionals to determine the "Top Ten Things Not to Flush".  Please keep in mind that everything that is flushed or put down a drain has to be cleaned and removed before treated water can be released into Ohio's waters.  As one water quality professional wrote "if you didn't eat or drink it, don't put it down the drain".
 

1. Medications
   Prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, illegal drugs, patches, and hypodermic needles

2. Cloth
   Cleaning rags, nylon stockings, underwear, shop towels, mop heads, dental floss
    
3. Feminine Products
   Sanitary pads, tampons, applicators
    
4. Plastic
   Plastic bags, plastic cotton swabs, disposable lighters, hotel shampoo bottles
    
5. Chemicals
   Cleaning products, herbicides, insecticides, solvents
    
6. Grease
   Auto, industrial
    
7. Wipes
   Baby wipes, “disposable/flushable” wipes, personal hygiene wipes, and cleaning wipes
    
8. Cooking Oil/Grease
   Fats, oils, cooking grease - used or unused
    
9. Condoms
   Condoms and condom wrappers
    
10. Diapers
    Paper or cloth, no matter how dirty, please dispose of in trash

Top Ten Things Not to Flush Flyer