Residents urged not to flush wet wipes

Published on 25 October 2024

We’re asking Palmerston North residents to remember that wet wipes should never be flushed down the toilet – even if the packaging says so!

Over the past few weeks, wet wipes and other non-flushable materials have caused significant disruptions, leading to blockages to pump stations and pipes in Highbury and Awapuni.

Council three waters group manager Mike Monaghan says only the three P’s should ever be flushed down the toilet: pee, poo, and toilet paper.

“Paper towels and tissues are highly absorbent and ninety per cent of wet wipes on the market are also produced from nonwoven fabrics made of polyester or polypropylene. These products don't break down well in pipes. They cause blockages when they mix with fats, oils, and grease that go down household sinks. Blockages not only disrupt the public wastewater system but if you flush them down your home or business toilets, they could also impact your own property’s internal plumbing leading to costly repairs.”