New state law cracks down on not-so ‘flushable’ wipes

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A new state law hopes to save sewage and septic systems by cracking down on “flushable” wipes.

The products aren’t going anywhere, but lawmakers hope more people will choose to avoid flushing products that are causing major problems for your pipes.

In May, Gov. Whitmer signed a new law to change the way manufacturers can advertise their wipes. Now, not only can they not refer to them as “flushable” wipes, but the packaging must note that the fabric products should not be flushed, including the words “Do Not Flush” and a symbol to dissuade people from flushing the products.

Candice Miller, the Macomb County Public Works Director, commended the Legislature and Whitmer for taking action against a problem that she says has posed problems for years.

“These wipes are wreaking havoc on critical underground infrastructure,” Miller said in a statement . “This law has the potential to save millions of dollars that is currently spent to repair the damage these wipes are having on underground systems everywhere.”

According to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, over the last six years, Oakland County has had 474 incidents involving clogged machinery that cost taxpayers more than $130,000.

Then there was the infamous 2018 “fatberg” that required $100,000 worth of repairs in Macomb County — a 100-foot-long combination of fats, oils, grease and solids that heavily featured “flushable” wipes.

And septic systems aren’t safe either. Studies show that the wipes, which do not break down in septic tanks, require more frequent cleanouts.

“More honest labeling on these products should help more people understand the issues they create for our wastewater plant operators and septic system users,” Phil Argiroff, Director of EGLE’s Water Resources Division, said in a statement. “They aren’t, and never were, truly flushable. We are glad to see this being addressed.”

The law will take effect on Sept. 26.

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