RE: Please do not flush trash!
Your property is served by the York Sewer District via gravity line which flows to the treatment plant. This line outside of your residence routinely is plagued with trash that should not be flushed down the drains. The types of trash we're finding in abundance is the following: wipes of all kinds, towels (paper and linen), facial tissue, feminine hygiene products and packaging, dental floss, cotton swabs, grease, etc. These products do not break down in the wastewater stream and cause extra maintenance for the pump station as well as putting the operators at risk because these products must be removed from the pipes and/or pump stations. The district's collection system crew routinely cleans the lines and pump stations so that your wastewater is properly conveyed and treated. The trash is making our jobs that much more difficult and potentially causing problems for you and your neighbors.
The "wet wipes" are baby wipes, personal care wipes, make-up removal etc. These products are mostly synthetic fibers that do not break down like toilet paper. In fact, most paper towels and facial tissue have similar characteristics that keep the product fully intact while immersed in water; therefore, these products should not be flushed either. Forty percent of the people who purchase baby wipes do not have babies but use them anyway as an effective cleaning method. Fats, oils, and grease can solidify in your internal plumbing but most likely will congeal in the public sewer causing major disruptions in the collection system. Please dispose of grease trash! Grease is generated by your cooking style and food variations. Place the grease in your renderings in a separate container and place container in trash. If smell is a problem, then freeze it until your trash is picked up for that day.
The maintenance and removal of trash and grease cost utilities millions of dollars each year.
Continued disposal of these items could result in cost increases to the ratepayers. Lastly, please exercise due diligence and pass this message along to your neighbors, friends and family as this is an issue in every community that is served by public sewer. It can also lead to issues for people that have septic systems where the leach field may be plugged with these specific products and the septage haulers must deal with it. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact the office at (207) 363 6705.
THINK OF US WHEN YOU FLUSH!
Very truly yours,
York Sewer District Collections System Crew
