Minnesota Agency Wants Ban On Labeling Wipes ‘Flushable’

ST. PAUL (AP) - City officials across Minnesota have complained for years about so-called "flushable" sanitary wipes that are clogging wastewater treatment systems.

Now the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is stepping in to push for a ban on labeling such wipes as "septic safe." The agency's proposal also would require packaging to include a "do not flush" warning.

The assistant commissioner for water policy with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the disposable wipes are about 30 to 45 percent plastic and don't break down the same way as toilet paper in the wastewater system.

The League of Minnesota Cities is asking state lawmakers to take action on the proposal during the current legislative session.