What Goes Down the Drain

Toilets are only designed for the “3 Ps”:

• Pee
• Poop
• (Toilet) paper

Even products labeled “flushable” (like wipes) do not break down properly and can clog pipes or damage septic systems.

Why?

Flushing the wrong items is one of the leading causes of sewer blockages and septic failures—both of which can result in expensive repairs and messy backups.

In Toilets:

• Wipes (including “flushable” wipes)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Paper towels and tissues
• Diapers
• Cotton swabs and dental floss
• Medications

In Sinks & Garburators:

• Fats, oils, and grease (FOG)
• Food scraps (coffee grounds, rice, pasta)
• Eggshells
• Paint, solvents, and chemicals
• Excess cleaning products

Why?

These materials can block pipes, damage infrastructure, and lead to sewer backups into homes or streets—costing thousands in repairs.

What is FOG?

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) come from everyday cooking and food preparation, including:

• Meat fats and drippings
• Cooking oils and butter
• Sauces, gravies, and dressings

Why it’s a problem:

When poured down the drain, FOG cools and hardens inside pipes, leading to:

• Sewer blockages and backups
• Septic system failure
• Costly plumbing repairs
• Environmental damage

How to dispose of FOG properly:

• Let grease cool
• Scrape or pour into a container
• Dispose in the garbage

Tip: Even small amounts add up over time and can cause major issues.

Homes with septic systems are especially sensitive to what goes down the drain.

Improper disposal can:

• Overload your system
• Disrupt natural treatment processes
• Cause backups, odours, or failure

Why?

Septic system repairs or replacement can be very expensive—simple habits can help you avoid these costs.

A few small changes can make a big difference:

• Use sink strainers to catch food waste
• Wipe grease from pans before washing
• Limit use of garburators
• Avoid overuse of harsh chemicals
• Maintain your septic system regularly

Why?

Preventative habits are far less expensive than emergency repairs or system replacements. This is true for both septic and sewer services.

Improper disposal doesn’t just affect your home—it impacts the wider community.

Blocked or overloaded sewer systems can lead to: Sewer overflows into streets and waterways Pollution in local creeks, beaches, and marine environments Increased maintenance costs for the community

Why? 

Protecting Sooke’s natural environment starts with what goes down your drain.

Small changes in how you dispose of waste can prevent major problems. Here are safer ways to dispose of common household items:

• Wipes & hygiene products: Garbage
• Fats, oils, grease: Let cool, scrape into container, dispose in garbage
• Food scraps: Compost 
• Medications: Return to your local pharmacy
• Hazardous waste: Use approved disposal facilities

Why?

Proper disposal helps protect your plumbing, reduces strain on infrastructure, and keeps harmful materials out of the environment.

No. Even products labeled “flushable” do not break down like toilet paper and can clog pipes and damage systems.

No. Grease may go down the drain as a liquid, but it cools and hardens in pipes, leading to blockages over time.

Yes. Even small amounts build up and contribute to larger blockages in pipes and sewer systems.

No. Putting grease in the garbage is safer for your plumbing—but it’s important to dispose of it properly.

When grease and food waste are not securely stored, they can act as wildlife attractants. Strong food odours can draw animals like bears, raccoons, and other wildlife into residential areas.

Unsecured attractants (including food waste and grease) can:

• Attract wildlife into neighbourhoods
• Increase the risk of human–wildlife conflict
• Lead to enforcement actions or fines
• Put animals at risk if they become food-conditioned

How to dispose of grease safely (and avoid attracting wildlife):

• Let grease cool and place it in a sealed container
• Store garbage in a secure, wildlife-resistant bin or indoors
• Put waste out only on collection day

These steps help reduce odours and prevent animals from accessing food sources—supporting safe coexistence with wildlife.

Learn more:

• Securing Attractants | District of Sooke

Residents can take up to 10 litres of clean, used cooking oil (such as deep-fryer oil) to the Hartland Landfill recycling area for free.

Yes. Commercial kitchens in the CRD must have grease traps and follow maintenance requirements. The CRD enforces these rules through monitoring and inspections.

Everyone shares responsibility—residents, businesses, and government. The public system can only function properly if individuals manage their household waste responsibly.

Improper disposal of grease and food waste can lead to sewer blockages, environmental impacts, and increased maintenance costs for the community.

Have a concern about improper or illegal dumping?

Please report it to District of Sooke Bylaw Services so it can be investigated.