WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) reintroduced the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation requires wipe manufacturers to label their products as non-flushable in order to protect wastewater infrastructure from damage.
“Blockages from non-flushable wipes cost Michigan water utilities an additional $18 million annually. Clear packaging labels could prevent service disruptions and costly repairs that may lead to rate hikes,” McClain said. “This is a win-win for taxpayers and our communities. I look forward to working with public works officials across our district to protect this critical infrastructure.”
McClain reintroduced the bill for the 119th Congress with Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
“Improper disposal of wet wipes damages wastewater infrastructure, costing California utilities and consumers tens of millions of dollars a year. That’s why water professionals in California’s 15th district and nationwide strongly support the WIPPES Act, which mandates clear ‘Do Not Flush’ labeling,” Mullin said. “This commonsense legislation is a critical step in protecting our infrastructure and the environment. By providing consumers with clearer guidance, the WIPPES Act will help reduce strain on our wastewater systems and safeguard taxpayer resources.”
“Many consumers who use wet wipes are unaware that flushing these products creates significant problems for plumbing, wastewater treatment equipment, and septic systems,” Collins said. “This bipartisan legislation would require manufacturers to label non-flushable wet wipes, providing consumers with the information they need to safely dispose of them, and helping prevent homeowners and taxpayers from having to pay for expensive repairs.”
“When non-flushable wipes are sent through our sewage systems, they plug the pipes. The resulting backups of sewage are not a pretty picture,” Merkley said. “Accurately labelling wipes and other products as ‘non-flushable’ is a necessary step to ensure consumers appropriately dispose of their waste. Doing so will keep our water clean and our wastewater infrastructure safe and efficient.”
Click here for the full bill text.
Background:
McClain introduced the legislation during the 118th Congress, where it passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously and the House on a bipartisan vote.
The bill is supported by many outside groups and local governments:
We are working to reintroduce the WIPPES Act this week. Commissioner Miller has provided a quote before: “I fully support this important legislation. Nationally, these wipes are wreaking havoc on our underground infrastructure. The packaging clearly needs to say, ‘Do not flush,’” said Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller.
“INDA is proud to continue its support for the WIPPES Act, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan margin in 2024. The industry is committed to responsibly managing wipe products that are not designed to be flushable, protecting public infrastructure and the environment,” said INDA President Tony Fragnito.
“American Rivers Action Fund endorses the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act to address the serious threat that wipes pose to our wastewater systems. Unlike ordinary trash, wipes clog treatment plants, leading to costly shutdowns and increasing the overall expense of water treatment. Each year, millions of tons of debris end up in our waterways—jeopardizing water quality and impacting recreation in our communities. We urge Congress to support this bipartisan bill to tackle this growing infrastructure crisis,” said Tom Kiernan, President and CEO, American Rivers Action Fund.
“Consumers should be able to trust that labels are telling them the truth. It’s that simple. This is not a tough question, and why this bill has bi-partisan support and should pass quickly in 2025,” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director, National Stewardship Action Council.
