BioCycle systems are designed to provide efficient, eco-friendly wastewater treatment, but improper disposal can lead to serious clogs, operational issues, and environmental harm. To keep your BioCycle system functioning smoothly, it’s crucial to avoid flushing or washing certain items down the drain. Here’s a guide to the top 12 things that should never go into your BioCycle system, along with alternative disposal tips.
1. Grease, Oil, and Fat
Grease, oil, and fat solidify in pipes, leading to blockages within your BioCycle system and potential damage. When these substances combine with other items, they create clogs that can be costly and difficult to remove.
Safe Disposal: Let the grease cool, pour it into a disposable container, and throw it in the trash. Wipe pans with a paper towel before washing them to avoid grease buildup in your system.
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds don’t break down easily and can settle within your BioCycle tank, causing clogs. Their small, gritty texture may seem harmless, but they can contribute to blockages over time.
Safe Disposal: Compost coffee grounds or use them in your garden, where they make excellent mulch for acid-loving plants.
3. Wet Wipes (Even Flushable Ones)
Wet wipes are one of the biggest threats to BioCycle systems. Despite being labeled as “flushable,” they don’t break down in water and can cause blockages, interfere with the aerobic treatment process, and reduce system efficiency.
Safe Disposal: Throw all wipes (even those labeled as flushable) in the trash. Opt for biodegradable wipes as a more eco-friendly alternative if needed.
4. Paper Towels and Tissues
Paper towels and tissues are designed to be durable and don’t dissolve like toilet paper. Flushing them can lead to blockages in BioCycle systems, especially if combined with other items.
Safe Disposal: Place used paper towels and tissues in the trash. Consider composting them if they haven’t been in contact with cleaning agents.
5. Feminine Hygiene Products
Feminine hygiene products expand and don’t dissolve in water, which can cause significant blockages within BioCycle systems. These products interfere with the system’s filtration process, leading to reduced efficiency.
Safe Disposal: Wrap sanitary products in toilet paper or a small bag and dispose of them in the trash.
6. Dental Floss
Dental floss is not biodegradable and can create net-like structures that trap other debris in your BioCycle system. This can lead to clogs, forcing your system to work harder.
Safe Disposal: Always throw dental floss in the trash. For an eco-friendly option, consider biodegradable floss.
7. Hair
Hair tangles easily and can create clogs in drains, accumulating in your BioCycle system over time. This is especially problematic in shower drains, where hair often collects.
Safe Disposal: Use a drain guard in the shower to catch hair and empty it into the trash regularly. Compost small amounts of hair if you use organic hair products.
8. Medication
Flushing medications can release chemicals into your BioCycle system that disrupt the bacteria essential for the aerobic treatment process. Additionally, these chemicals can make their way into the environment, potentially harming local ecosystems.
Safe Disposal: Many pharmacies offer drug take-back programs. Alternatively, crush the medication, mix it with something unappealing like coffee grounds or cat litter, and dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash.
9. Condoms
Condoms do not break down in BioCycle systems, leading to clogs and contributing to non-biodegradable waste. They can get stuck in the filtration stages, reducing system efficiency.
Safe Disposal: Wrap condoms in toilet paper or a small bag and throw them in the trash.
10. Cooking Ingredients (Rice, Pasta, Flour)
Cooking ingredients like rice, pasta, and flour swell when they come into contact with water. They can clog pipes and strain BioCycle systems, making it difficult for the bacteria to perform their aerobic functions.
Safe Disposal: Scrape leftover food into the trash or compost bin. Avoid rinsing foods like rice and pasta down the drain, as even small amounts can lead to buildup over time.
11. Cotton Swabs and Balls
Cotton swabs and balls are non-biodegradable and easily get caught in pipes or within the system’s filtration stages. This can lead to blockages and reduced BioCycle system efficiency.
Safe Disposal: Throw cotton swabs and balls in the trash. Choose biodegradable or paper-stemmed swabs as an environmentally friendly option.
12. Cat Litter
Cat litter absorbs moisture, forming clumps that can block pipes and clog BioCycle systems. Even “flushable” cat litters aren’t recommended, as they don’t break down quickly enough.
Safe Disposal: Dispose of used cat litter in the trash rather than flushing it. Avoid even small amounts going down the drain to protect your BioCycle system.
How Flushing These Items Impacts Your BioCycle System
Introducing non-biodegradable or harmful items into your BioCycle system has several adverse effects, not only on the system but also on the environment:
System Clogging and Backups: Items like wet wipes, dental floss, and cooking ingredients clog pipes and reduce system flow, leading to backups that may require costly repairs.
Damage to the Aerobic Treatment Process: Many items disrupt the delicate bacterial balance needed for aerobic treatment. Flushing items like medications or chemicals can impair system function and decrease water quality.
Environmental Contamination: Items that don’t break down may enter the environment, contaminating soil and waterways and potentially harming wildlife.
Increased Maintenance Costs: When inappropriate items are flushed, BioCycle systems need more frequent maintenance, increasing operating costs for property owners.
Best Practices for BioCycle System Care
To ensure your BioCycle system continues to function at its best, follow these essential tips:
Educate Household Members: Make sure everyone in your home understands what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. This includes guests and young children.
Install Drain Guards: Use drain guards in sinks and showers to catch hair and debris before they enter the system.
Dispose of Grease Properly: Keep a container for used oil and fat, allowing it to solidify before placing it in the trash.
Use Composting Where Possible: Food scraps, coffee grounds, and even hair can be composted, reducing the load on your BioCycle system.
Participate in Disposal Programs: Use take-back programs for medications and hazardous waste to keep chemicals out of your BioCycle system and the environment.
By keeping these 12 items out of your BioCycle system, you’re protecting your plumbing, reducing the risk of clogs, and contributing to a more sustainable environment. Proper disposal protects your investment in BioCycle’s innovative wastewater management technology and helps maintain a healthier ecosystem for future generations. Protect your BioCycle system, save money on maintenance, and contribute to a greener future by disposing of these items responsibly.
Call us on on 1300 biocycle ( 1300 246 292 for a service and maintenance package and save time and money on unnecessary repairs. Protect your BioCycle system and the environment with proper care and expert support!
