September 2010

Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority
Environmental Tips
2777 State Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
(734) 484-4600
Hours 8:00am-4:00pm

What NOT to Put Down
the Toilet, Drain or Garbage Disposal

YCUA Mission Statement
To provide top quality, cost effective, environmentally safe water and wastewater services to our customers.
The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) provides water and wastewater services to the Ypsilanti area. Water and/or wastewater services are provided to the City of Ypsilanti, Charter Township of Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Township, Augusta Township, Sumpter Township and Superior Township. YCUA contracts with the Western Townships Utilities Authority (WTUA) to provide wastewater treatment services for the Townships of Canton, Northville, and Plymouth.

In order to prevent blockages, please refrain from dumping the following items down your toilet, sink, drainpipe or garbage disposal:
fats, oils or grease from cooking, cars or lawnmowers
coffee grinds
egg shells
produce stickers
chunks of garbage
disposable diapers
feminine hygiene products
paper towels
flushable cat litter
rags
condoms
bags/wrappings and cardboard
motor oil, transmission fluids, anti-freeze or other toxic chemicals
solvents, paints, turpentine, nail polish, polish remover
flammable or explosive substances
corrosive substances that are either acidic or caustic
needles and sharps
prescription and over-the-counter medications

Why is this a problem?

Any solid matter that you put down the toilet or drainpipe has the potential to cause blockages in both the public sewer or your own private drain. This can lead to:
Raw sewage overflowing in your home or your neighbor's home;
An expensive and unpleasant cleanup;
Raw sewage overflowing into yards, and streets;
Potential contact with disease-causing organisms;
An increase in operation and maintenance costs for local sewer departments, which can cause higher sewer bills for customers; and
Increased pollution due to sewage spills caused by the blockages.
Private drainage systems (the part of the drainage network between your home and the public sewer) use narrow pipe-work and sometimes have bends in them where solid objects can lodge and cause blockages.
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain private drainage systems if there is no approved cleanout at the front property line.