Things that don’t go down the toilet | From the City of Arcata’s Facebook page

There are many things the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you do to help stop or slow the spread of COVID-19, including cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Though using cleaning or disinfecting wipes can be an easy and effective way to do that, some city governments want to remind you that you should not flush those wipes down the toilet when you’re done.

“Wipes and other thick paper products can severely impact sewer pipes in your neighborhood and can cause blockages & overflows into your home,” the City of Arcata posted on its Facebook page. “Sewer overflows create an additional public health risk in the midst of the COIVD-19 pandemic!”

The city also reminds you of some other things you should not flush down the toilet, including cotton swaps, dental floss, feminine products, kitty litter or condoms. Basically, the only things that should be going in your toilet is bodily waste and toilet paper.

And yes, even wipes labeled “flushable” are not good for the sewer pipes. “Ignore the hype: don’t flush a wipe!” the City of Blue Lake posts.