Flushable Tissues: Can You Really Put Tissues Down the Toilet?

Ever grabbed a tissue in a hurry and wondered, “Can I flush this?” It seems like it wouldn’t be a big deal, right? But when it comes to your plumbing and the environment, flushing tissues can actually cause more harm than you might think. While tissues and toilet paper might look alike, they’re made to do very different things once they hit the water. Let’s take a closer look at why tissues shouldn’t go down the toilet, and how to dispose of them in a way that’s kinder to both your pipes and the planet.

Should You Flush Tissues?

The short answer? No, you shouldn’t flush tissues. Even though tissues and toilet paper are both tissue paper products, they’re designed for different purposes. Bamboo tissues, for example, are built to be absorbent and strong, which makes them great for everyday and multiple use. But that same strength also means they don’t break down as easily in water. When flushed, bamboo tissues can clump together, leading to blockages in your pipes and causing unnecessary plumbing headaches.

Unlike toilet paper, which is specifically designed to dissolve quickly in water, tissues don’t break down fast enough. Even if a tissue claims to be “flushable,” it can still cause plumbing issues if it doesn't dissolve properly. And don’t be fooled by biodegradable tissues either—while they’re better for the environment in many ways, they still don’t break apart quickly when flushed.

Tissues and Toilet Paper: Not the Same Thing!

Let’s dive into why tissues and toilet paper are so different.

• Wet Strength: Bamboo tissues are made to be strong and durable, especially when wet. This is great for wiping up spills or wiping noses, but not ideal for your plumbing. Tissues don’t break down fast, meaning they can get stuck in pipes and cause clogs.
  
  
• Materials Used: Many bamboo tissues and biodegradable tissues are designed to be sturdy and absorbent, with added fibers to make them stronger. While this is great for their intended purpose, it also makes them resistant to breaking down in water. Toilet paper, on the other hand, is designed to dissolve quickly in water, making it safe for flushing.

Why Bamboo Tissues Still Aren’t Flushable

Bamboo tissues have earned their place as an eco-friendly option thanks to bamboo’s fast growth and renewability. However, even bamboo tissues should never be flushed. They are strong and absorbent, which means they won’t break apart fast enough to avoid causing plumbing issues. Although bamboo tissues are biodegradable, they are still best disposed of in the trash or compost bin, not your toilet.

Flushing Tissues: A Plumbing and Environmental Nightmare

Flushing tissues, biodegradable tissues, or even bamboo tissues can lead to more than just plumbing problems. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to handle the breakdown of toilet paper, not tissues that don’t dissolve properly. When these tissues don’t break apart, they can end up clogging pipes and polluting our waterways.

Flushing biodegradable tissues or bamboo tissues can waste water and energy, too. When there’s a blockage, more water is needed to clear it, which increases energy consumption at treatment plants. The good news is that there’s an easy fix: just don’t flush them!

Smart Ways to Dispose of Bamboo Tissues

So, what’s the best way to dispose of bamboo tissues responsibly? Here are a couple of great options:

• Composting: If you have a compost bin, bamboo tissues are an excellent addition. Bamboo is biodegradable, and these tissues will break down naturally over time, enriching your soil. Just make sure they don’t contain any lotions or chemicals before composting them.
  
  
• Regular Bin Disposal: Don’t have a compost bin? No problem! Simply toss your bamboo tissues in the regular trash. It’s far better than flushing them, and it ensures you’re keeping your plumbing—and the planet—safe.

Let’s Keep It Green—Dispose Responsibly

At the end of the day, tissues—whether bamboo tissues, or biodegradable tissues—should never be flushed. Even though bamboo tissues are a more eco-friendly option, their strength means they won’t break down quickly enough in water to avoid causing clogs. By choosing bamboo tissues, you’re already making an environmentally conscious choice, but it’s important to dispose of them properly to keep your pipes and the planet happy.

Ready to make the switch to a more eco-friendly tissue option? Try Eco Cheeks’ bamboo tissues today! Soft, sustainable, and perfect for everyday use. Just remember to dispose of them properly—bin them, don’t flush them! Let’s keep your plumbing and our planet in tip-top shape, one biodegradable tissue at a time. 🌱