|
What can I put down the drain? The city sewer system was designed and built for the purpose of conveying water and human waste to the treatment plant. Sinks, toilets and sewer drains are not trash cans. Sewage treatment plants are designed to remove organics from raw wastewater before returning it to Lake Michigan. Anything non-biodegradable or toxic may not receive proper treatment or may even have an impact on the overall function of the treatment facility. We all need to take care in what we put down our drains! The following FAQ's are directed towards residential service. If you are a commercial customer and have any questions about your discharge or rates please contact our Pre-Treatment Coordinator at 459-3464
Can I put trash down the drain? NO, paper and plastic trash can clog your sewer lateral or main and should be disposed of in your garbage can. If it is not bio-degradable, put it in the garbage! These are a few examples of trash that should be put in your garbage can or dumpster: Cleaning wipes, handy wipes, toilet cleaners, scrubbing pads, feminine hygiene products, plastics, diapers, clothing, cloths, and rags. Can I pour my old chemicals down the drain? NO, some chemicals are difficult to remove from wastewater, hazardous to treatment plant workers, and if they pass untreated through the plant, they can be hazardous to the environment. Don’t flush these: Motor oil and gasoline, Solvents, Pesticides and fertilizers, Medicines (antibiotics, prescription meds), Paint, varnish, paint thinner Can I flush my old or unused medicines? Not a good idea. When you flush medication down your drain, it ends up at our treatment facility. While the plant is designed to remove many contaminants from untreated water, it may not filter out the chemicals found in many medications. Some chemicals can remain in the treated water when it is released into the Lake Michigan, our source of drinking water, and harm creatures living in the lake, as well as affecting humans. Click Here to help find the best method of unused drug disposal. Can I pour grease down the drain? NO, if the grease is hot let it cool before putting it in a suitable container or can and put it in your garbage. Grease will accumulate in sewer pipes and pumps over time, and cause clogs and back-ups. If you have a grease trap it should be checked and cleaned at least monthly. Can I put photographic processing solution down the drain? Most photographic processing effluents and wash waters contain chemicals that are biodegradable. They are, therefore, compatible with aerobic (with oxygen) biological treatment systems and are effectively treated when sent to an efficient sewage treatment facility. Permission from the local treatment authority may be needed (a written consent or permit is usually needed and limits what can and can't be discharge). Contact your local authorities to see if you need consent and to determine local discharge limits. NEVER pour silver-bearing effluents such as used fixers, bleach-fix or stabilizers down the drain. Rather you should use on-site or off-site silver management. |
|
Sheboygan Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, 3333 Lakeshore Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081 |