HEALTH

‘Toilets Are Not Trash Cans’ campaign could soon go statewide

Feb 11, 2020, 8:12 AM

SALT LAKE CITY — Water and sewer officials are asking lawmakers for $150,000 to help teach Utahns that toilets are not trash cans.

They say people are flushing wipes, medications and other products, and it’s causing major, costly problems.

“This request is a very crappy request,” said Rep. Carl Albrecht, R-Richfield, to some chuckles, “but it is a very important and necessary one.”

Why flushing meds, wipes is a problem

He spoke in a legislative committee meeting about how pumps are getting ruined by wet wipes.

“You get a clog where the residents’ pipes meet the city pipes, and then there’s backups and sewer backups into their homes,” he said.

People flushing unused drugs or medicines creates an environmental problem as well.

Taking “Toilets Are Not Trash Cans” statewide

The Central Davis Sewer District sponsors an annual competition, with posters, flyers and stickers going out to schools and community groups.

They say with the appropriated money, the “Toilets Are Not Trash Cans” campaign could go statewide.

“Only three things belong in toilets — pee, poo, paper,” said LeLand Myers with the Wasatch Front Water Quality Council.

Related stories: 

The germiest place in your home and the best way to combat those microbes

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

The ultimate travel preparation checklist

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Claire Newell, Founder of Travel Best Bets, to learn some of her travel preparation tips.

8 hours ago

SALT LAKE CITY -- Inmates in one housing unit at the Utah State Correctional Facility were quaranti...

Dan Bammes

Housing unit quarantined after scabies outbreak at state correctional facility

57 inmates were affected after a breakout of scabies in a housing unit at the Utah State Correctional Facility.

1 day ago

Image of at-home COVID-19 testing material, which will be made available again beginning next week....

Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN

US households will be able to order more free COVID-19 tests starting Monday

US households can order four free tests from Covidtests.gov starting September 25.

3 days ago

domestic violence...

Curt Gresseth

Since new law began, domestic violence referrals spike 83%

Because of a new law, which went into effect July 1, referrals to domestic violence service providers has jumped 83%.

5 days ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

The dangers of junk food addiction

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Registered Dietitian Nicole Rodriguez to learn how junk food addiction impacts our health.

7 days ago

Alisha Alderson placed everything she needed for the last month of her pregnancy in various suitcas...

CLAIRE RUSH and LAURA UNGAR Associated Press

Rural hospitals are closing maternity wards. People are seeking options to give birth closer to home

Fewer than half of rural hospitals have labor and delivery units, forcing pregnant women to travel longer distances for care or face giving birth in an emergency room.

7 days ago

Sponsored Articles

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Aerial photo of Bear Lake shoreline with canopies and people camped out on the beach...

Visit Bear Lake

Last-Minute Summer Vacation Planning? Check Out Bear Lake!

Bear Lake is the perfect getaway if you are last-minute summer vacation planning. Enjoy activities with your whole family at this iconic lake.

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

‘Toilets Are Not Trash Cans’ campaign could soon go statewide