Yarra Valley Water

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What can go down the drain?

Everything that goes down the kitchen, laundry and bathroom sink or that's flushed down the toilet ends up in the sewerage system. 

Treated sewage is either reused or safely returned to our creeks, rivers and oceans. Putting the wrong things down the sewer affects our ability to treat and reuse the water and can cause damage to the system. 

We all play a part in helping the treatment process by being aware of our own actions and by understanding the kind of sewage we generate has a real affect on the treatment process and the environment.

What to flush

Only flush the 3Ps (pee, poo and toilet paper) and wet wipes that show the flushable symbol. 

Do NOT put the following in the sewerage system:

  • plastics
  • motor oils, paints or pesticides
  • non-biodegradable products
  • fats, oils or food scraps
  • cotton buds, nappies, condoms,  sanitary products and wrappers
  • medicines
  • wet wipes that don't meet the 'safe to flush' standard 

If in doubt – throw it out!

We also suggest you follow these handy hints:

  • Use a sink strainer to prevent food scraps and other household waste, from going down the drain. Consider using a compost heap to dispose of food scraps.
  • Pour kitchen fats and oils into a container; seal it and throw it in the bin.
  • Wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing.
  • Dispose of items such as cotton buds, nappies, condoms, sanitary products and their wrappers in the household rubbish.
  • Use less detergent. The average household uses three times more detergent than manufacturers recommend.
  • Choose a washing detergent with a low salt content. Concentrated detergents often contain much less salt than conventional varieties.
  • Ask your local pharmacy or council for advice on how to dispose of medicines and hazardous chemicals.

What happens if they do go into the system?

These products can cause:

  • damaged pipes
  • blocked pipes which may impact your property or your neighbour's property
  • harm to the environment.

Where can I dispose of liquid waste?

You can take your household chemical products to a permanent or mobile drop-off point, where they will be collected and safely disposed of. 

For more information call Sustainability Victoria on 1800 353 233 or visit the Sustainability Victoria website.

Where do I dispose of motor oil?

Used motor oil should be stored in an appropriate container and taken to your local oil collection facility so it can be cleaned and re-used. 

Have you noticed suspicious disposal activities?

If you notice any suspicious activities, such as the discharge of illegal substances, please contact us on 13 27 62 immediately. We'll take action to prevent damage to the sewerage system and manage any risks to public and environmental health.