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Bill

SD 2363

An Act protecting wastewater and sewerage systems through the labeling of non-flushable wipes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts requires non-flushable wipe manufacturers to label products with "do not flush" warnings to prevent sewerage system damage and reduce municipal treatment costs.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2363

Legislative bill overview

SD 2363 requires manufacturers of non-flushable wipes to prominently label their products with warnings indicating they should not be flushed down toilets. The bill aims to reduce damage to wastewater treatment infrastructure and sewerage systems caused by wipes accumulating in pipes and equipment, despite being marketed or used as if they were flushable.

Why is this important

Wastewater systems nationwide experience significant operational problems and costly repairs from non-flushable wipes clogging pipes and damaging treatment equipment. These costs are ultimately passed to ratepayers through increased sewer fees. Clear labeling could reduce consumer confusion and misuse, protecting both public infrastructure and municipal budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Manufacturer compliance burden: Companies may argue that new labeling requirements increase costs and create compliance complexity, particularly for products already in distribution
  • Definitional challenges: The bill must clearly define "non-flushable wipes" to avoid ambiguity, as some wipes marketed as "flushable" remain problematic for systems
  • Effectiveness questions: Critics may contend that labeling alone won't solve the problem if consumers ignore warnings, and question whether manufacturer accountability is the most effective approach compared to other solutions like infrastructure upgrades or public education campaigns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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