No, you should not flush floss.
Flushing dental floss is a bad idea for several reasons. It can cause plumbing problems in your home and contribute to environmental pollution. Here's a breakdown of why:
Plumbing Problems
- Clogging Pipes: Dental floss is not biodegradable. It doesn't break down in water, and it tends to wrap around other debris in your pipes, leading to clogs.
- Septic System Damage: If you have a septic system, floss can wrap around components and even burn out the motor.
- Costly Repairs: Clogged pipes and damaged septic systems can lead to expensive plumbing repairs.
Environmental Damage
- Wastewater Treatment Plants: Floss can overwhelm wastewater treatment plants. Its stringy nature makes it difficult to filter out.
- Wildlife Harm: Floss that ends up in waterways can entangle and harm wildlife. It's often mistaken for food.
- Pollution: Because floss is non-biodegradable, it will persist in the environment for a very long time.
What To Do Instead of Flushing Floss
Instead of flushing floss, dispose of it properly in a trash can.
- Wrap it in a tissue: This helps prevent it from getting tangled with other trash and keeps it contained.
- Consider using floss picks with a handle: These are easier to dispose of properly in the trash.
- Explore biodegradable floss options: While not a perfect solution, biodegradable floss is a more environmentally friendly alternative.
By properly disposing of your dental floss, you can prevent plumbing problems and help protect the environment.
