Michigan lawmakers target misleading ‘flushable’ wipes

DETROIT – When it comes to “flushable wipes,” John McKeever knows all the reasons why they really shouldn’t be flushed.

“It’s a cotton product so it gets snagged and you have a lasagna thing going on, one thing will grab another, another, another – next thing you know you’re backed up,” said the Roto-Rooter plumber.

He’s been called many times to rescue homeowners and businesses from expensive backups. “I think its kind of grimy, I do,” and he’s not talking about the cleanup.

McKeever is referring to the messaging on products that suggest bathroom wipes are in fact flushable. “A $5 product turned into a tens of thousands of dollar fix for these guys,” he said of one of his toughest jobs at a doctor’s office.

Michigan lawmakers are hoping to change that. In May, they voted to target the language on bathroom wipe products that claim to be flushable. Manufacturers are no longer allowed to market the wipes as such in Michigan and are required to include the words “Do Not Flush” and a symbol dissuading people from doing so.

Sam Smalley, Deputy Director of Detroit’s Water and Sewerage Department is hoping that change makes a difference in the habits of Michigan residents. Flushable wipes have become such a problem, the city is running a PSA to get residents to stop.

“They’re taking up capacity in our system that’s critically important for resiliency and flood risk mitigation,” said Smalley. In Detroit alone, there are 2,400 miles of sewer main and crews clean 500-600 miles each year. Smalley says flushable wipes are a large part of what they’re cleaning out of the system.

He showed Local 4 a high-resolution image inside of one sewer that showed flushable wipes, and other items collected in the clog blocking about 25% of the pipe. The wipes cause problems at treatment facilities too, clogging up pumps and other equipment used there.

Smalley hopes the message will be clear: “Please don’t flush these things down the system.”