Passage of Oregon House Bill 2344 Boosts Accountability for Responsible Flushing

This legislation was a cooperative effort between wastewater and sanitation industries, wipes industry, and the state legislature

EUGENE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gov. Kate Brown has signed into law House Bill 2344, requiring manufacturers of personal care and household wipes for sale in the state of Oregon to clearly label “Do Not Flush” on those wipes that are not intended for disposal in the toilet.

Introduced in January 2021, this legislation received broad support from the wipes industry, as well as Oregon municipal wastewater agencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many municipalities saw an increase in volumes of inappropriately flushed baby wipes, hard surface cleaning/sanitizing wipes and other items not intended to be disposed via the toilet. Elevating consumer awareness of what should not be flushed – combined with the responsible labeling of products – is the key to addressing this issue.

“The Responsible Flushing Alliance is pleased to support this legislation through our #FlushSmart consumer education initiatives,” said Lara Wyss, president of the Responsible Flushing Alliance. “Our goal is to increase public awareness around how smart flushing habits lead to healthier homes and communities. Proper labeling is critical in educating consumers to recognize the difference between flushable and non-flushable products.”

Similar legislation has passed in Washington state and is currently under review in California and awaiting the Governor’s signature in Illinois.

This year, the Responsible Flushing Alliance launched a national effort to educate and promote responsible flushing habits known as #FlushSmart, as well as instruct consumers to look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol in product packaging and labeling to identify materials that should not be flushed down the toilet.

About Responsible Flushing Alliance

The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to consumer education focused on what should and should not be flushed. We are a coalition of trade associations, wipes manufacturing companies, and non-profits committed to educating consumers about responsible, smart flushing habits. RFA’s goal is to change consumer behavior to help reduce damage to our nation’s sewage systems caused by objects and materials not designed to be flushed.

Responsible Flushing Alliance Coalition Members

Albaad, ANDRITZ, Dude Products, Essity, First Quality, Georgia Pacific, Johnson & Johnson, Jacob Holm, Kelheim Fibres, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Nehemiah Manufacturing, Nice-Pak, Procter & Gamble, Rockline Industries, Sellars Nonwovens, and Suominen Corp.