Around The World in 8 Flushes – A Guide of What Not to Flush

Switzerland – There is a law that it is illegal to flush goldfish down the toilet. You would receive a double fine if you were to flush your (hopefully dead) pet Goldie down the toilet in your apartment after 10 p.m. as it is also illegal to flush after that time in Switzerland.

Japan – Do not urinate or defecate in the Mantojuki temple’s “Holy Toilets”. The toilets there are specifically for flushing problems written out on parchment.

New York, N.Y. – Alligators have been rumored to be in the sewers since the 1920’s and the stories continue to intrigue us. Lesson to be learned here don’t flush baby alligators down the toilets.

Russia – Even though it is not a law, it is common practice to not throw toilet paper down the toilet.

Sacramento, California – Plumbers pulled up a bunch of miniature liquor bottles which were clogging the system. An employee was drinking on the job and flushed the bottles down the drain in order to hide it.

Scotland – If someone knocks on your door and requires the use of your toilet, you must let them enter.

United Kingdom – Most often they find fingers or even hands according to sewer operatives of the Thames water. Another note in the sanitation news of the UK, a pregnant woman can legally urinate anywhere she wants.

Germany – Same old story woman murders husband, slices and dices him and flushes his bits into the toilet.

For the rest of us here is a common list of what you should not to flush down the toilet to keep the environment safe, as well as prevent clogs and back-ups.

• disposable diapers and baby wipes

• any feminine products; including tampons and sanitary napkins

• cotton balls and swabs

• condoms

• facial tissue

• bandages and bandage wrappings

• automotive fluids

• paint, solvents, sealants and thinners

• poisons and hazardous waste