Spartan Chemical Joins the Responsible Flushing Alliance in Celebrating #FlushSmart Day as “Do Not Flush” Labeling on Non-Flushable Wipes Packaging Rolls Out Nationwide

Today, Spartan Chemical joined the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) in its announcement of observing July 1 as #FlushSmart day, dedicated to practicing smart flushing habits by preventing non-flushable materials from entering our wastewater systems.

The announcement coincides with the enactment of new “Do Not Flush” labeling laws in California, Washington, Oregon, and Illinois, which requires the “Do Not Flush” symbol to be placed on the packaging of products that could pose a danger for creating clogs. The RFA will hold a press event today at 10 a.m. PST in conjunction with Assemblymember Richard Bloom on the steps of the California State Capitol. This event is supported by RFA’s 26 contributing and advisory members including, Spartan Chemical Company.

“Families want a healthy home and planet. The “Do Not Flush” symbol helps us achieve that,” said Rebecca Kaufold, Manager of Government Affairs and Sustainability at Spartan Chemical Company, Inc. “As research and development continues to advance, we must ensure that only truly flushable products are disposed in the toilet. With the launch of the “Do Not Flush Symbol, we are empowering families to properly dispose of non-flushable bathroom products in the trash to keep their homes and community healthy.”

The RFA and it’s #FlushSmart campaign advocate for consumers to practice responsible flushing habits across California and the rest of the country. By improperly disposing of non-flushable products, clogs can develop in family homes and community wastewater systems that cost significant amount of time, money, and resources to fix. Non-flushable products can congeal with fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to create concrete-like masses known as fatbergs. The result can include sewage spills that contaminate our environment and water supply.

“We are pioneering this effort by creating a first-of-its kind educational initiative to help provide consumers with the information they need in order to address this simple but concerning problem,” said RFA President Lara Wyss. “Nearly 60% of consumers indicated in a 2021 survey that they have disposed of something nonflushable in the toilet during the previous year. We are hopeful that the #FlushSmart campaign will reverse this negative trend we’re seeing.”

At times of drought and lower flows, maintaining proper flushing habits will help protect our critical infrastructure and in turn help protect our communities’ precious groundwater and other freshwater sources from potential contamination. With Californians practicing smart flushing habits, less undue pressure will be put on our pipes, pumps, and waste treatment plants so they can safely run at optimal levels and keep waste in its place.

About Spartan Chemical Company

At Spartan Chemical Company, we make clean simple®.  We are a recognized leader in cleaning and sanitation solutions for the industrial and institutional market. As a proud US employer, Spartan formulates and manufactures high quality products from our state-of-the-art facility in Maumee, OH and sells both domestically and internationally through a select network of distribution. Spartan's products and services are used in building service contractor, education, food service and processing, health care, industrial, lodging/hospitality, and vehicle care markets,

 About Responsible Flushing Alliance

The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to national consumer education programs focused on what not to flush. RFA’s goal is to change consumer behavior to help reduce damage to our nation’s sewage systems caused by objects and materials not designed to be flushed.