consequences of use inappropriately the Vater

The toilet is intended to collect and dispose of our urine and excrement. However, some people have taken to the task of using it to discard materials of a different nature. And, even if they think it is an effective and safe alternative, each waste thrown into the drain brings with it serious environmental and economic consequences.

Year after year, the increase in both solid and liquid waste that ends up in the toilet is notable, despite multiple awareness campaigns. Perhaps these figures may be due in some way to ignorance, since many products are classified as bio or eco. But the fact that they are biodegradable does not guarantee that they will decompose quickly, since in some cases this could last for years.

Current use of the toilet

Beyond being available for physiological evacuations, the toilet provides many people with the opportunity to quickly dispose of their waste. Hence, its usefulness is confused with that of the garbage can. This incorrect practice is gaining more and more popularity, because, first of all, these wastes result from daily activities, and the damage they bring with them is not perceived. A very common example of this type of use is dumping used cooking oil. 

On the other hand, people could assume that this action helps them reduce costs, because in this way they will buy fewer bags and containers suitable for garbage separation, or they could reduce the payment for garbage collection services.

Diapers, baby or feminine wipes are the main items currently flushed down the toilet. And, although their composition resembles that of toilet paper or they are biodegradable, these products do not break down in water at a rapid rate. The same goes for pads and tampons. For this reason, their disposal down the drain should be avoided, even that of the covers that protect them, since they could generate blockages in it.

Other products that are commonly eliminated through the toilet are condoms. These, being made of latex, have a high resistance and do not deteriorate with water. Therefore, it is appropriate to follow the instructions of their manufacturers and deposit them in the garbage can. On the other hand, dental floss and hair are debris that, when gathered or adhered to other objects, create large plugs.

Finally, there are medicines, cigarette butts and some liquids such as cleaning products, thinners and fuels, which, due to their artificial and toxic contents, aggravate water pollution and harm local fauna.

Consequences of using the toilet as a garbage can

Despite the fact that it is only thought that the consequences of throwing various products down the drain lie in the blockages in the pipes, the reality is that the contamination of the waters, the intoxication of the fauna and the effectiveness in the processes to purify the water are also highly affected.

Hence, many of the problems that occur throughout the year in drainage systems are due to the long time it takes to get rid of the infinity of waste that lodges inside. Similarly, wastewater overflows are also part of these serious consequences; because sometimes they affect rivers and even public roads.

The practice of using the toilet as a garbage can has also had repercussions in the economic area, since the maintenance costs of the networks and the water purification systems have increased notably, since these solids get to clog up the filter pumps. Likewise, household expenses rise, as families spend several euros annually to hire professional services due to the collapse of their drains.

On the other hand, it is important to note that these materials, discarded in the toilet, could become the cause of the proliferation of diseases and parasites in the water, not to mention the great damage to the ecosystem they generate, since their journey culminates in the seas. and rivers.

What if you have to go to the toilet?

Toilet paper is the manufactured product that can be thrown down the toilet, since, being made of cellulose, it degrades quickly on contact with water and, therefore, is quickly eliminated from the drainage system without causing obstructions.

On the other hand, before throwing any waste down the toilet, its packaging should be read to ensure that it is biodegradable both aerobically and anaerobically and that it does not contain any microplastics that delay its decomposition. When in doubt, it is better to use the toilet to throw only toilet paper, feces and urine. Leaving other waste containing synthetic polymers in a stable container for storage and disposal.

Strategies for a more hygienic and environmentalist home

The practice of separating waste involves every corner of the home, including the bathroom. Likewise, it not only helps to minimize expenses, but also to maximize ecological help. In this sense, having the best garbage can (here you can find some options to buy) will allow you to conveniently separate both liquid and solid waste and give them a good final destination. Likewise, this container helps to maintain the environment in a more hygienic way, without unleashing unpleasant odours, fungi and bacteria that harm health.

However, we must not forget that it is essential to regularly clean the rubbish bin, use a biodegradable plastic bag and change it frequently. In addition, it must be taken into account that the new options not only work as garbage containers, but also become a decorative element that fits into any space and style of the home.

Finally, it should be noted that despite the purification techniques that many countries implement, to counteract the obstructions in their drains, the environment is still affected, since the amount of waste thrown down the toilet continues to increase every day.