What can and can’t go into a home sewage treatment plant

What can and can’t go into a home sewage treatment plant

In the toilet

Flush toilet paper only. Wet wipes, even those marketed as “flushable”, do not break down properly, and neither do nappies, pads, tampons, cotton buds, floss, condoms or cat litter. None of these belong in the plant.

In the kitchen

• Fats, oils and grease should not go down the sink.
• Food scraps, coffee grounds and garbage disposal unit waste should not go into the system.

Scrape plates into the bin and wipe greasy pans with paper towel before washing them.

Cleaning products and laundry

Bleach, disinfectants, antibacterial products and drain cleaners kill the bacteria that treat the wastewater, so avoid large amounts of them. Use household cleaners in moderation; biodegradable, septic-safe products are best.

Excess water can flush the plant out. Spread your laundry across the week rather than washing it all in one day, and repair leaking taps and running toilets promptly.

Never down any drain

• Paint, solvents and oils
• Pesticides
• Medicines

Water that does not belong in the system

Do not connect roof water, stormwater, pool water or spa water to the plant. It overloads the system and washes out the bacteria.

Chlorine

We replenish your chlorine at every service. If you run out between services, please call us rather than purchasing tablets.

Keep the power on

The blower must run continuously, including when you are away. Keep the lids and control box clear and easy to access, and keep up the regular servicing your council requires. If anything seems wrong, call us early: small problems are quicker and less costly to fix.

Our plant care guide has the full list, and you can download a printable copy to keep near your control box.

By Joshua Smith, QBCC licence PD52825. Updated 20 October 2026.