Today, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation requires wipe manufacturers to label their products as non-flushable to protect wastewater infrastructure from damage. Blockages from non-flushable wipes cost Michigan water utilities an additional $18 million annually.

Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) reintroduced the bill for the 119th Congress.

“Improper disposal of wet wipes damages wastewater infrastructure, costing California utilities and consumers tens of millions of dollars a year. That’s why water professionals nationwide strongly support the WIPPES Act, which mandates clear ‘Do Not Flush’ labeling,” Mullin said. “This commonsense legislation is a critical step in protecting our infrastructure and the environment. By providing consumers with clearer guidance, the WIPPES Act will help reduce strain on our wastewater systems and safeguard taxpayer resources. I am pleased to see this bipartisan, bicameral legislation move forward.”

“This common-sense, practical legislation will prevent rate hikes and protect water infrastructure. I am proud to lead this legislation and call on the Senate to quickly pass it,”  McClain said.

“When non-flushable wipes back up our wastewater system, it hurts our infrastructure, our environment, and our wallets,” Merkley said. “Accurately labelling wipes and other products as ‘non-flushable’ is a necessary step to help consumers appropriately dispose of their waste. The House passage of our bipartisan WIPPES Act brings it one step closer to becoming law and protecting our water supply and wastewater infrastructure.”

 “Many consumers who use wet wipes are unaware that flushing these products creates significant problems for plumbing, wastewater treatment equipment, and septic systems,” Collins said. “This bipartisan legislation would require manufacturers to label non-flushable wet wipes, providing consumers with the information they need to safely dispose of them, and helping prevent homeowners and taxpayers from having to pay for expensive repairs.”

The bill is supported by many outside groups and local governments:

“It’s important that the packaging on all disposable sanitary and cleaning wipes be required to have labelling that prominently displays the words ‘do not flush’ or ‘non-flushable’. Wipes should be thrown in the trash,” Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller said. “Not only can wipes damage sewage systems at homes and businesses, but they can cause very costly damage to municipal wastewater infrastructure systems. They form huge clumps that can severely impact the flow of wastewater even in large interceptor pipes. Wipes that get through can clog bar screens, requiring time-consuming removal and harm the pumps at pump stations.”

“INDA is proud to join a wide array of organizations in strongly supporting U.S. House passage of the WIPPES Act, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan margin in 2024. The wipes industry is committed to responsibly labeling wipe products that are not designed to be flushable, protecting public infrastructure and the environment. This legislation represents several years of work between the wipes industry, wastewater operators, and environmental stakeholders and we strongly support full congressional passage of the legislation,” INDA Director of Government Affairs Wes Fisher said.

“Creating a uniform, national policy for labeling of ‘non-flushable’ wipes is critically important to protect sewer systems and household plumbing. Personal care wipes, while convenient for the consumer, cause serious harm to municipal sewer systems across the nation when they are improperly flushed. The water sector worked hand-in-hand with industry on this commonsense legislation that will provide clarity for the consumer, protect sewer workers, and avoid millions in infrastructure damage nationwide,” Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies said. “We applaud the House for passing this legislation and will work toward similar swift action in the Senate.”

“The American Public Works Association strongly supports the WIPPES Act as a commonsense solution to a burdensome problem. Flushing non-flushable wipes accounts for $441 million a year in additional cost to wastewater systems. By requiring prominent use of a ‘Do Not Flush’ logo, this legislation protects our systems and our communities. APWA applauds Congress for recognizing the importance of safeguarding our water environment and ensuring that public works professionals can continue providing essential services efficiently and safely,” APWA President Dominick A. Longobardi said.

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