The Tissue Dilemma: Should You Flush or Dispose?

Every time I blow my nose in the bathroom, I face a moral dilemma: is it more wasteful to flush a facial tissue down the toilet or to throw it away? This question highlights a broader concern over our environmental impact and the proper handling of waste products.

Is Toilet Tissue Actually that Harmful?

I often use facial tissues, and contrary to some beliefs, you can flush these down the toilet. While it does take longer for facial tissues to break down, they aren’t significantly worse than other things you might flush, such as toilet paper.

Facial tissue is made with fibers like lyocell and viscose, which are different from the traditional wood pulp found in toilet paper. These ingredients can make the tissue take longer to break down. However, once in the sewage system, both types of toilet paper are treated similarly and eventually broken down. So, the breakdown process is similar for both.

Sanitation vs. Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of flushing versus disposing of tissues is a gray area. In terms of sanitation, flushing is generally the better option. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wastewater treatment plants are equipped to handle toilet paper. The most challenging part is the water usage, especially with older toilets that require 7 or more gallons per flush. This water consumption can be significant, but it is necessary for sanitation.

Facial tissues, on the other hand, do not dissolve effectively in water and should not be flushed. This can lead to blockages in pipes and other issues, and as such, they should be placed in the trash.

.polluting Our Homes and Sewers

For those who have to endure the smell of toilet contents, the impact can be significant. It not only affects the environment but also the quality of home life. However, some people seem to be okay with this reality, especially if they are single and don’t mind the odor.

From an environmental perspective, sewage plants have their own set of issues when dealing with toilet paper. The process can be inefficient, and alternative methods such as spraying water to clean after using the toilet might be more environmentally friendly. However, this method has its own challenges, such as the inconvenience and potential embarrassment of water spraying at inopportune moments. The French, for instance, use this method daily, but it can be awkward and impractical for many.

The Environmental Arguments

A recent study compared the environmental impact of both facial tissues and toilet paper. It found that while flushing facial tissues is less wasteful in terms of water usage, throwing them away and placing them in a landfill is not significantly different in long-term impact. In both cases, the tissues remain recognizable and do not decompose overnight.

Specifically, toilet paper is treated in sewage plants, and due to its non-recyclable nature, it is ultimately sent to landfills. It may look like new in 20 or 30 years, but it still remains non-recyclable. Therefore, the environmental compromise lies in using the sewage system for facial tissues, but ensuring proper sanitation and minimal water usage.

Conclusion

After considering all the factors, the environmental impact of facial tissues and toilet paper remains somewhat controversial. However, the choice to flush or dispose of them ultimately depends on the balance between sanitation and environmental responsibility. Both options have their drawbacks, and the best practice remains to dispose of facial tissues in the trash to avoid blockages and to flush toilet paper, ensuring it breaks down properly in the sewage system.