Sewer Use

Below are the top hygiene items that should not be flushed and rather be placed in your garbage:

• Wipes of any kind (i.e. bathroom, baby and cleaning wipes)Even those that say flushable can cause problems
• Tampons and sanitary supplies
• Condoms
• Cotton swabs
• Dental floss
• Facial tissue
• Paper towel

An easy and important way we can have a positive impact on the environment is by properly disposing of fats, oil and grease, also known as FOG.  When FOG is washed down the sink or toilet into the plumbing system they cool, harden and stick to the inside of sewer pipes. Over time, the grease will build up and can block the entire pipe – both on your property and on Town property.  This can lead to spills and overflows that are hazardous to our homes, pollute our local waterways and groundwater, and harm fish and wildlife habitats.                                                                                              

Where FOG can be found...

• meats and bacon drippings
• lards, shortening, cooking oil, butter and margarine
• food scraps and baking goods
• sauces, salad dressings and gravy
• dairy products (milk and cream)
• soups
• sandwich spreads

How should FOG be handled at home?

• Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets
• Pour FOG into a can (a coffee can works well)
• Place a lid over the top
• Store it to be reused until full
• When the can is full, throw it in the trash
• When there is FOG residue in a pan or on a dish, wipe it with a paper towel before washing and throw that towel in the trash
• Place baskets/strainers into sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, then empty the drain basket/strainer into the trash
• Larger amounts should be collected into a sealed container labelled “cooking oil” and can be dropped off at public drop-off depots.

                       

Grease traps for food service establishments, child care centres & mobile food vendors

Under the Sewers By-law, it is mandatory for all restaurants and other food service establishments, child care centres to install a grease trap (interceptor) as described in the Town's Sewer Use By-Law 80-2011 on any fixture or drain that discharges wastewater. This includes sinks for washing dishes, and drains serving cooking equipment and self-cleaning exhaust hoods.

As a result of better measurement instruments and techniques, traces of pharmaceuticals are being detected in the environment such as lakes, rivers and streams. One way this is happening is by consumers flushing medication, such as pills and liquids, down the toilet or sink. This can harm the environment and aquatic wildlife. To dispose of your medication safely, please return it to our local pharmacy. They will take it for free and dispose of it properly.

The following household hazardous waste should never be flushed down the drain:

• Car and garage products (i.e. antifreeze, motor oil, window washer fluid).
• Household cleaning products (i.e. cleaners, bleach, disinfectants).
• Paints (including any solvent, remover or glue).
• Personal care products (i.e. nail polish remover, perfumes, aftershave).
• Pesticides and garden products.

To dispose of these items safely, take them to a public drop-off depot.