Clarington Endorses Regulations Against 'Flushable' Wipes

On September 23, 2019, the General Government Committee of Clarington endorsed a resolution from the City of Kitchener regarding single-use disposable wipes. The resolution highlighted concerns about the marketing of these wipes as 'flushable', noting that there is no standard definition for the term. It stated that single-use wipes are buoyant, non-biodegradable, and do not break down quickly, leading to significant issues in municipal sewer systems. The resolution called for the federal government to review regulations related to consumer packaging on single-use wipes to eliminate the term 'flushable'. This initiative aims to address the environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by the improper disposal of these products, which reportedly cost municipalities hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and maintenance annually. The committee's decision to endorse this resolution was part of broader legislative efforts to improve waste management and reduce environmental impact.