The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA has welcomed the publication of a new Australian Standard that is attracting attention overseas by defining what a ‘flushable’ product is.

For many years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to prevent unsuitable products being flushed down toilets. Every time someone uses a toilet to conveniently dispose of something that is not ‘flushable’, they are creating a potential blockage in the toilet or further along the sewerage system.

This is a worldwide problem that affects consumers and water utilities because blockages result in health risks, additional costs and disrupted services. In addition, when sewage overflows occur, there are harmful consequences for the environment.

The lockdowns and toilet paper shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic made the problem worse by increasing the quantity of unsuitable products being flushed down toilets. The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA was one of the industry organisations that voiced strong concerns about what was happening.

CEO Murray Thomas said, “This Association is giving its full support to AS/NZS 5328 Flushable Products. There has long been a need for a standard that gives a clear direction to manufacturers and consumers and ensures accurate labelling of products on the supermarket shelves.

“We saw the problems increase dramatically during 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. Now we look forward to helping to educate the industry and consumers about this standard and why it is so important.”

AS/NZS 5328 Flushable Products was developed with input from interest groups, water utilities, local government organisations, suppliers, manufacturers, and industry associations. It specifies the criteria and testing procedures that a product must pass before it can be called ‘flushable.’