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Flush Smart Day was introduced two years ago on July 1, but as RFA is picking up speed and increasing the creativity and reach of its educational activations, Flush Smart Day is now Flush Smart Month! A full month focused on the importance of responsible flushing and the vital role of education.

WIPPES Act Set to Create National Standard for Wipes Labeling In June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environments Safety (WIPPES) Act (H.R. 2964), which would create national standards for “Do Not Flush” labeling for non-flushable wipes.

The U.S. wastes more than $440 million annually by flushing more down the toilet than they should, according to Talking Toilets. Over half of U.S. residents (53%) have reported flushing things they know they shouldn’t have, such as baby wipes, cleaning wipes, paper towels, and more.

Have you met Mel, a singing and talking toilet, and his partner in fighting pipe-clogging crimes, Detective Drains?

There was a time when personal care brands, and the consumers who used them, would rather not address the category head-on, often relying on metaphors rather than candid conversations.

From June 26-29, Anaheim was transformed into a vibrant playground for online creators and fans alike with the 13th edition of VidCon. Founded by YouTube icons John and Hank Green and now falling under the Paramount Global umbrella, VidCon annually draws an impressive 55,000 attendees, all eager to immerse themselves in the latest trends and innovations—and to make some great content along the way.

We interviewed Detective Vincent Drains, Singing Toilet, and RFA President Lara Wyss. The Responsible Flushing Alliance is an independent, nonprofit trade association committed to educating consumers about responsible and smart flushing habits to help reduce damage to our nation’s sewage systems.

ANAHEIM, CA —(BUSINESS WIRE)— Teeing up the annual observance of Flush Smart Month starting July 1, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is spreading the word on the importance of smart flushing habits in a novel way at VidCon Anaheim 2024.

The convenience of flushing unwanted items down the toilet is a habit ingrained in many households. There is also a widespread issue surrounding people’s understanding of what is and is not allowed to be flushed away.

The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) has released its 2023 Annual Report, recapping the successes of the #FlushSmart educational campaign and ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the "Do Not Flush" symbol and the too-often-overlooked consequences of improperly flushing household items.

INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Results of a collection study at the Inland Empire Utility Agency may help identify what’s causing damage to the wastewater infrastructure.

Identifying a fully intact baby wipe at the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District's collection study to determine which flushing habits can cause clogs in sewer lines and damage machinery. Always look for the "Do Not Flush" symbol on wipes packaging and follow disposal instructions to keep non-flushables out of the sewers. (Photo: Business Wire)

Educating consumers about the “Do Not Flush” symbol to help protect our environment and keep our communities healthy is the main priority of the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA).

Wet wipes make cleaning and staying organized easy-breezy. Wipes with ‘Do Not Flush’ go in the trash, never the toilet.

We’re sharing Fun Family #Flushsmart Travel Tips so that you and your family can travel without fear of clogs and overflows.

Released quarterly, our Digital Magazine will be bringing the biggest news features from the water and wastewater industry.

Some wastewater utilities say they are facing a nasty pandemic problem: More disposable wipes being flushed down toilets are clogging pipes, jamming pumps and sending […]

Even before the pandemic, Americans were already flushing far too many wipes into the sewer system. After a year of staying at home, the pipe-clogging problem […]

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 818 by Assembly Member Richard Bloom into law, requiring all packaging […]

All packaging for diaper wipes, cleaning wipes and cosmetic wipes must clearly display “Do Not Flush” in the state of California.

Let’s face it, toilets aren’t exactly a conversation starter; we do our business and then try not to think about it until the next time nature calls. While we tend to ‘flush and forget’ – that shouldn’t be an excuse to treat toilets like trash bags.

Wastewater operators across the globe continue to face challenges associated with clogs due to issues such as aging infrastructure and improper flushing habits. While items such […]

It goes without saying that Covid-19 ushered in something of a paradigm shift in consumers’ approach to home care and domestic cleaning. Where pre-pandemic the industry had struggled to engage, educate, […]

To address the need for long-term solutions to the problems in the nation’s wastewater systems, the Responsible Flushing Alliance has been formed as an independent […]

he battle over wipes in sewers continues unabated. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies is working with state […]

SEATTLE, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is hosting its fourth annual meeting next week on Wednesday, March 19. Registration for the hour-long virtual meeting is free. Participants will learn about available educational resources, federal legislative updates, results from its #FlushSmart Crimes of Flushing campaign, and sneak peek into the 2025 Potty Training for Grownups campaign.

While previous campaigns focused on increasing familiarity with the Do Not Flush symbol, the 2024 campaign prioritized shifting consumer behavior. A national survey conducted pre- and post-#FlushSmartMonth revealed positive trends: While familiarity with the Do Not Flush symbol continues to increase (78% to 81%), self-reported flushing of non-flushable items is on the decline (53% to 51%).

Law goes into effect requiring the ‘Do Not Flush’ symbol on baby wipes, other wet wipes not meant for flushing

The Responsible Flushing Alliance offers a free FOG activity book focused on "Do Not Pour" and "Do Not Flush" family-friendly projects available in time for the holidays. Help keep fats, oils, and grease (FOG), and non-flushable items out of our sewers and waterways.

Crown Abbey joins the RFA, a growing nonprofit trade association on a mission to help improve consumer flushing habits and bring awareness to wipes labeling

Michigan's proper labeling law for non-flushable wipes requires the "Do Not Flush" symbol on baby wipes, other wipes not engineered to be flushed.

Flush Smart Day is extended to the full month of July to remind people about the importance of smart flushing habits by looking for the "Do Not Flush" symbol found on non-flushable wipes, such as baby wipes, cleaning wipes, and makeup removal wipes.

Detective Drains and his surprising partner, a real-life singing and talking toilet named Mel (pictured), are on the case, solving "Crimes of Flushing" at VidCon 2024 in Anaheim, Calif.

Responsible Flushing Alliance Uncovers the Mystery Behind What's Clogging California's Pipes at VidCon Anaheim from June 26 – 29.

On Earth Day and every day, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) believes in the role education and healthy communities can play in helping our planet and its people thrive.

Community event celebrates student winners of unique filmmaking competition hosted by the Responsible Flushing Alliance, Youth Cinema Project and Los Angeles County Sanitation District.

In accordance with California’s Proper Labeling of Wet Wipes law (AB 818), state wastewater agencies and industry experts went deep to find out exactly what is passing through—and clogging up—municipal wastewater systems.

The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) has announced that Promescent, maker of both private label and Promescent Delay Wipes, is joining the charge to change consumer flushing behaviors through education initiatives that raise awareness for the "Do Not Flush" symbol on wipes packaging and encourage smart flushing habits.

#FlushSmart campaign captured consumers' attention with Hollywood-inspired PSAs featuring the Clog Monster to promote the "Do Not Flush" symbol. RFA's third annual meeting is open for registration and takes place on March 27 from 11 a.m. - noon PST.

RFA welcomes The Hygiene Co. into growing coalition to help improve consumer flushing habits and bring awareness to wipes labeling

Crocodile Cloth joins the RFA, a growing coalition on mission to help improve consumer flushing habits and bring awareness to wipes labeling

Identifying a fully intact baby wipe at the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District's collection study to determine which flushing habits can cause clogs in sewer lines and damage machinery. Always look for the "Do Not Flush" symbol on wipes packaging and follow disposal instructions to keep non-flushables out of the sewers. (Photo: Business Wire)

Celebrate Water Professionals Appreciation Week by always looking for the "Do Not Flush" symbol on wipes. If you see it, that wipe goes in the trash and never the toilet. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The Responsible Flushing Alliance unveils a new public service campaign via a movie trailer-inspired PSA, featuring RFA’s “Clog Monster,” a fictional character that brings to light the gross reality of clogs and fatbergs and underscoring the importance of checking for the “Do Not Flush” symbol. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is unleashing the Clog Monster on screens this July. Reminding everyone to look for the "Do Not Flush" symbol on non-flushable wipes to keep the Clog Monster from causing havoc in our homes and in our sewers. Be sure to follow RFA @flushsmart on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok this #FlushSmartDay to see what is in store. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is excited to welcome Cotton Incorporated to its coalition of wipes manufacturers, wastewater treatment groups, and public health advocates working to educate consumers about proper flushing habits across the U.S.

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) announced that Guy & O'Neill and biom have joined its coalition of wipes manufacturers, wastewater treatment groups, and public health advocates working to mitigate the improper flushing of non-flushable personal care products.

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) released insights and an infographic from a survey of California consumers measuring general awareness of the “Do Not Flush” symbol. It also measured Californians’ understanding of what common household products are not flushable.

On March 7, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) held its second virtual annual meeting, where members from the wipes manufacturing industry, wastewater and sanitation agencies, consumers, and media were invited to attend. The meeting offered attendees a chance to hear from key stakeholders about the role each party plays in decreasing costly and unsanitary fatbergs and clogs in California sewers.

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) welcomed its 31stmember – WaterWipes – in its growing coalition of wipes manufacturers, wastewater groups, and public health advocates aiming to educate consumers on what not to flush and spread greater awareness of the “Do Not Flush” symbol.

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) announced its second annual meeting will occur virtually on March 7 from 11 a.m. – noon PST. The invitation is open to all wastewater and sanitation agencies, wipes manufacturers, and the media.

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) announced the addition of Ecolab to its growing coalition of wipes manufacturers, wastewater treatment groups, and public health advocates aiming to educate consumers about what not to flush and spread greater awareness of the “Do Not Flush” symbol.

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) announced 3M, Eleeo Brands, Goodwipes, and Unilever as new members of its growing coalition of manufacturers and public health stakeholders focused on educating consumers on what not to flush down their toilets. […]

As Americans are preparing to usher in the holiday season, treasured family recipes are taking center stage as rich and decadent meals are being planned. After enjoying seasonal meals with family and friends, don’t forget to keep fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) out of the drain. And just as important, always look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol on wipes for proper disposal instructions. […]

The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA), a non-profit association dedicated to providing consumers with educational materials about what should and should not be flushed, released its first in a series of “Most Wanted” items that shouldn’t be flushed. […]

The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is a non-profit association dedicated to providing consumers with educational materials about what should and should not be flushed as well as sharing information regarding why it is so important to follow smart flushing practices.

There is more to safe summer travel than careful driving, especially as Americans enter our third summer in a global pandemic. For those planning to take to their skies or head out on the road trip of a lifetime, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is providing four key tips to help keep travelers stay healthy and having fun when on the go.

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) accepted a resolution issued by the office of California Assembly Member Richard Bloom to recognize July 1 as “Flush Smart Day.” The inaugural observance to take place Friday will also mark the official launch of RFA’s consumer education campaign aimed at improving proper flushing habits in homes and businesses in California and the across the nation.

Today the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) announced Clorox and GOJO have joined as contributing members to support its widespread consumer education campaign on what not to flush.

Today the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) released a new #FlushSmart infographic as part of its consumer education campaign raising awareness of responsible flushing […]

Today the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) released its 2021 annual report, outlining the successes of the organization and its campaign to educate consumers on what not to flush while spreading awareness […]

RFA welcomes the National Association of Clean Water Agencies as newest advisory member; Hosting annual association meeting on Jan. 25 for prospective new members […]

As families around the country continue to gather for holiday festivities, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) provides consumers with #FlushSmart tips so that celebrations can focus on family […]

Many Americans are not aware of the havoc fatbergs cause within our nation’s sewers. The first fatberg was discovered in 2013 with approximately two fatbergs being discovered each year since. The Responsible […]

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance welcomed its newest association member, Papel Aralar S.A. The global paper company brings its proven commitment to environmental preservation and social […]

Today Governor Newsom signed AB 818 by Assembly Member Richard Bloom into law, requiring all packaging for diaper wipes, cleaning wipes, and cosmetic wipes to display clear “Do Not Flush” warnings. […]

Navigating parenthood sometimes can feel like being dropped in the middle of a maze with so many different options and responsibilities pulling caregivers in every direction. Whether it’s […]

Anytime of the year is the right time for proper grooming but after more than a year of social distancing, it may be time for a refresher course. Even celebrities are debating whether or not to wait for the stank to emerge before bathing their kids. (Celebrities, they’re just like us!) […]

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) published a new infographic highlighting some of the strangest objects that have been pulled out of municipal […]

Today the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) announced Dukal, LLC, Reckitt, and Spartan Chemical Company, Inc. as its newest contributing members in its […]

As fans around the country gear up to cheer on their favorite football teams, the Responsible Flushing Alliance offers tailgating tips to keep cleanup of disposable items so that fans […]

On Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 294, known as the Wipes Labeling Act, which now requires manufacturers of […]

Today, the Responsible Flushing Alliance enthusiastically welcomed ANDRITZ and DUDE Products as its newest Board of Directors […]

With approximately 4 million Americans graduating college every year, there’s excitement for embarking on the next big chapter in life, […]

The 51st Earth Month is coming to a close and the Responsible Flushing Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering consumers to make informed […]

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 […]

To address the need for long-term solutions to the problems in our nation’s wastewater systems, the Responsible Flushing Alliance has been formed as an independent […]