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S 589

Enacts the "our school our rules act"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and 3 co-sponsors

Mass. adopts Do Not Flush labeling on premoistened wipes to cut sewer clogs and fatbergs, saving municipal costs, effective 7/1/2027.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 589

Summary — S. 589: "Our School Our Rules Act" / An Act protecting wastewater and sewerage systems through the labeling of non‑flushable wipes

Note: The bill text filed in the Massachusetts Senate (Senate Docket No. 2363 / Senate No. 589) would add Sections 330–333 to Chapter 94 of the Massachusetts General Laws to require prominent “Do Not Flush” labeling on specified disposable wipes to protect wastewater and sewerage systems.

Purpose

To reduce sewer blockages, pump and treatment equipment damage, and associated municipal costs by requiring clear, standardized “Do Not Flush” labeling and symbol placement on premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes that are likely to be used in bathrooms and/or flushed.

Key definitions

  • Covered entity: manufacturers or parties (including wholesalers, suppliers, retailers) responsible for labeling or packaging of a covered product sold or offered for sale in the state.
  • Covered product: premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes marketed as baby/diapering wipes or wipes that (a) are composed entirely or partly of petrochemical‑derived fibers and (b) are likely to be used in a bathroom and have significant potential to be flushed. Examples listed include baby wipes, bathroom/toilet cleaning wipes, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizing wipes, facial/makeup wipes, feminine hygiene wipes, adult incontinence wipes, and general cleaning/personal care wipes.
  • Symbol and label notice: requires the INDA/EDANA “Do Not Flush” symbol and the phrase “Do Not Flush.”

Labeling requirements (highlights)

  • Applicability date: Covered products manufactured on or after July 1, 2027 must comply.
  • Minimum size: The “Do Not Flush” label notice must be at least 2% of the surface area of the product’s principal display panel (with special provisions to harmonize type size with federal labeling requirements for CPSC‑ or EPA‑regulated products where applicable).
  • Symbol sizing: The symbol must be at least 2% of the principal display panel.
  • Contrast: High‑contrast presentation required — at least 70% contrast between symbol artwork and background (formula provided in bill).
  • Packaging‑specific placement rules:
    • Cylindrical/near‑cylindrical dispensers: symbol and notice on the principal display panel or combination of symbol on panel and symbol/notice on flip lid; flip‑lid artwork must cover at least 8% of flip lid area and may be embossed.
    • Flexible film packages: symbol on principal display and dispensing side panel; notice on either panel in a location visible each time a wipe is dispensed.
    • Refillable tubs/rigid reusable dispensers: symbol and notice on principal display panel, visible at dispensing.
    • (Text truncated in supplied copy — additional placement and exemptions likely in full text.)

Who is affected

  • Businesses that manufacture, label, package, distribute, or sell covered wipes in Massachusetts (manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, retailers).
  • Municipal wastewater and sewer authorities would likely benefit from fewer flush‑related blockages and maintenance events.
  • Consumers would see clearer guidance on disposal for a broad range of wipe products.

Timeline & procedural status (from provided record)

  • Introduced (Mass. Senate): February 13, 2025.
  • Referred to committees (actions reported include Environment and Natural Resources; multiple referrals to Education are listed in the record).
  • Hearing scheduled (per record): May 6, 2025 (01:00–05:00 PM, A‑1).
  • Compliance for manufacturers: products manufactured on or after July 1, 2027.

Impact and considerations

  • Public works benefits: expected to reduce “fatbergs,” sewer line clogs, and treatment plant costs.
  • Industry impact: costs and lead time for redesigning labeling and packaging; need to coordinate with federal labeling rules for affected regulated products.
  • Enforcement and penalties: not visible in the truncated text provided; full bill should be consulted for compliance enforcement, penalties, exemptions, and implementation details.

Related measures / notes

  • Petitioners/presenters listed in the bill: Sen. James B. Eldridge (with other Massachusetts legislators noted in the filing).
  • Related/companion bills noted in supplied materials (e.g., HR 846, A 8325); similar measures have appeared in prior sessions.

For the full requirements, placement tables, and any enforcement provisions, consult the complete bill text (Sections 330–333) and subsequent drafts (S2541 referenced) before relying on this summary for regulatory or compliance action.

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

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