Mayor Jennifer Whitney said putting the wrong things down the sewer affects council’s ability to
treat and reuse the water and can cause damage to the system or cause blockages.

“Council has to pay to remove these items from the sewerage system and this is an added cost
which is ultimately reflected in your rates,” Mayor Whitney said.

“We can all play a part in helping the treatment process by being aware of our own actions and by realising the kind of sewage we generate has a real effect on the treatment process and the
environment,” she said.

Please help by avoiding flushing the following items down your toilet:
-plastics
-motor oils
-paints
-pesticides
-non-biodegradable products
-fats
-oils
-colonostomy bags
-toothbrushes
-cleaning wipes of any type
-food scraps
-cotton buds
-nappies
-condoms
-sanitary products
-wrappers
-medicines
-incontinence pads
-syringes
-toys

People are reminded that washing grease and fat down the sink clogs up the drains and acts as
cholesterol for the sewer system also.

Everyone can take their household chemical products to a waste transfer station drop-off point,
where they will be collected and disposed of safely. For more information call Whitsunday Regional Council on 07 4945 0200.

If you notice any suspicious activities, such as the discharge of illegal substances please contact
Council on 07 4945 0200 immediately so that we may prevent damage to the sewerage system
and manage any risks to public and environmental health.

Ends

For media enquiries, contact:
Kate Lennox, Communications Manager
Phone: 07 4945 0614, 0427 458 369 or Email: kate.lennox@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au